We’ve officially entered the three month countdown to September and the start of school for many little ones.

Whether it’s your child’s first ever day or just the beginning of a new school year, this time of year can bring up big emotions for children and parents.

So, how are you and your little one feeling?

If your child is suddenly full of questions, a bit more clingy than usual, or having some wobbles at bedtime, you’re not alone. Many children, especially sensitive or first-time school starters, feel a bit overwhelmed as the big day approaches. One minute they’re excited to wear their new uniform and meet their teacher, the next they’re unsure, tearful, or suddenly not so keen.

It’s Completely Normal to Feel Wobbly

Even when children seem excited, starting school is a huge emotional leap. New routines, unfamiliar faces, longer days - it’s a lot to take in. That’s why the best approach is a gentle, steady one.

With three months to go, there’s plenty of time to help your child feel more confident and prepared without adding stress to your already busy life.

Tips to Help Build Emotional Confidence

Here are some simple, parent-approved ways to support your child in the run-up to September:

1. Start Talking About School Little and Often

If you haven’t started chatting about school yet, don’t worry now is a great time to begin. Keep it relaxed and natural. You might say things like, “When you go to school in September, you’ll have your own peg for your coat,” or “Your school shoes will help you run around at playtime.”

Little comments like these help school become a normal part of their world – rather than a looming “big change.”

2. Visit the School (Even Virtually)

Many schools offer induction visits or settling-in sessions. If not, try walking past the building or looking at pictures on the school’s website. Point out fun areas like the playground or reading corner to create a sense of excitement and familiarity.

3. Create Predictable Routines

Children thrive on routine. Begin to introduce some light structure to their day – a regular wake-up time, relaxed mealtimes and a wind-down bedtime routine. It doesn’t have to be strict, but the more predictable things feel now, the easier the transition will be later.

4. Talk About Feelings (Yours Too)

Let your child know it’s okay to have mixed emotions. You might say, “It’s normal to feel a bit nervous and excited at the same time.” When you model calm reassurance – even if you’re feeling a little wobbly yourself – it goes a long way in helping them feel secure.

What About Practical Prep?

Alongside emotional readiness, there’s also the practical side of things – uniforms, lunch boxes, school bags... and of course, school shoes!

At ToeZone, we know that finding the right school shoes can feel like a big task. That’s why we’ve made it easy for busy parents. Our shoes feature the ToeZone fitting guide built right into the sole, so you can check the fit at home – no fuss, no stress.

ToeZone shoes are designed to support growing feet with comfort, durability and a little extra room for wiggly toes. Because when your child feels good in their shoes, they can walk into school with confidence – and that’s one less thing for you to worry about.

You've Got This! 

Starting school is a big milestone and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions as the countdown begins. The good news? You don’t have to do everything at once. With small, thoughtful steps over the next three months, you can help your child feel ready, reassured and even excited for their first day.

And when the big day comes, they’ll have the right shoes on and you’ll both be more prepared than you think.

Explore our full range of school shoes and tick one more thing off your list today.