We made the most of it, got a bit of rest, and now it's time to get back to it!
Mechanical pencil, HB pencil, dividers, and wide-ruled paper — done.
To help you make the very best of this new chapter, we've gathered simple, practical advice from 3 professionals — plus our own tips, and even some reading recommendations from our favourite bookseller!
Tips from Claire Hagenbach, manager of an early years childcare setting, for a gentle nursery start (@joli_mome)
The must-have for starting nursery is the transitional object: a comfort toy, a dummy, mum's t-shirt, a muslin… a little piece of home to take along.
And for it to work its magic, bring it to life at home in the weeks leading up to the big day! For the littlest ones, tuck it in your bed or under your t-shirt so it soaks uuuup all your love. And from 18 months / 2 years old, give that comfort toy wild adventures so it becomes their absolute BFF.
Plus tips from Charlotte, mum of 5 and primary school teacher (@expetitssuisse)
Charlotte is firmly in the "squeeze every last drop out of summer" camp — probably because of her own memories of coming home from holiday the night before school, when her mum would say "no showers tonight, so tomorrow at school you can lick your skin and it'll taste of salt".
Her advice? Make the most of every last moment — come back with sand at the bottom of your pockets and little shells you can draw a heart on for the tough days!
Her thing is sprinkling a little magic over the back-to-school moment — whether that's sticking on name labels the evening before, laying out the outfit, or marking the end of the day with a grenadine spritz!
3 tips from Jeanne Ribierre, psychologist and member of the Eveil et Conseil collective, for handling the nursery or school separation with confidence
So it's happening — your little one is starting nursery or heading off to school… For parents, this often brings a whirlwind of feelings: excitement mixed with worry.
Take a breath — here are a few tips to help you prepare for and embrace this milestone.
Have a good chat about it!
Whatever your child's age, it's essential to explain what's changing and why. Even if a very young child doesn't understand every word, they'll pick up on your tone of voice and the time you give them — and that's enough to reassure them that there's nothing to be afraid of, even as things shift around them.
As for older children, share your own memories with them — everything they'll get to discover, learn, and all the good times ahead with their new classmates.
While it's important to focus on the positives, don't be afraid to prepare them honestly — let them know it might be a little tough at first, that there will be rules to follow, but that you'll be right there to help them through it.
It can also be the perfect moment to celebrate how much they're growing up — a new adventure is beginning!
If you're struggling to find the words, turn to books (see our selection below) that tackle the subject. Since young children haven't yet grasped the concept of time, there's no need to bring it up too far in advance — but do adjust to your child and their temperament!
Do the settling-in period
This step is really important as it lets both child and parents get to know the setting and the team. Ask questions, engage, take the time to meet the people who'll be caring for your child. It helps the staff support you better down the line and builds trust on both sides.
For the school start, the visit to the school plays that same settling-in role. We'd recommend using it as an opportunity to take photos (classroom, canteen, rest room, playground, etc.) to put together a little photo album to flick through over the summer. Here too, taking the time to chat with the teacher and build a connection goes a long way — for little ones and grown-ups alike.
Trust yourselves!
Parting from your baby after an intense period of closeness, the guilt of handing their care over to others, or simply watching your little one grow up too fast — all of this makes those first transitions hard. Remember that children take in a great deal, and they are especially attuned to our emotional state…
Your own mindset as this new term approaches will have a real impact on how it all unfolds.
Make sure you feel confident enough in the nursery or school to pass that sense of calm on to them. That doesn't mean hiding your mixed emotions — the key is to reassure them.
You can tell them it's not easy to go back to work, to leave them with others — but that they'll be in good hands, that it's the beginning of their independence, that it gives you the chance to return to your own life, and so on.
Because a happy parent makes for a happy child!
Plus tips from the Mèzamums — 11 children and counting
Better than a fast-food sticker — the kiss to go: a little heart drawn on the inside of their wrist, or a kiss sealed with a lipstick print.
And we'd love to remind them that school is where the mischief happens (sorry, not sorry 🎵), and that they're about to make the best bunch of friends.
And here's a little tip for getting the evening update: ask sideways — "So, what did you have for lunch today, little one?" "Dunno."
So try asking: "who did you sit next to at lunch today??" "Next to whatsisname, and we played marbles with peas"… and boom — you've got your info.
So fingers crossed, deep breath — with a bit of luck it'll all go smoothly, and don't forget your Maxi Lange for blowing your nose with dignity!
PS: let's not forget that every day that passes brings us one step closer to the holidays
Lucie's picks — our favourite bookseller (@librairie_chatquipelote)
Mummy at School – published by Actes Sud jeunesse
Nursery School – published by Tourbillon
Crocolou Goes to School – published by Encore
See You Tonight – published by Pastel
Not in My Wildest Dreams – published by l'école des loisirs
Léon's School – published by Albin Michel Jeunesse
First Morning – published by Les fourmis Reds
All that's left is to wish you all — little ones and big ones — a wonderful new term, and we can't wait to catch up for a proper family debrief in cosy comfort (you know where:))!
