The first day of school is a big moment for children and for parents.
There are new uniforms, new bags, new faces and new feelings. You may be
excited and nervous in equal measure, and your child may swing between
eager and tearful before breakfast. Planning a little in advance can
turn a stressful morning into a positive memory.
This guide shares practical first day of school tips for
parents in Gunjur, Varthur, Sarjapur and across Bengaluru East.
It covers the weeks before, the morning itself, the goodbye and the
first month. The tips apply to any school, and we include details from M
S Dhoni Global School (MSDGS), where the 2027-28 academic year
tentatively begins on 1 June 2027. If you are still choosing a school,
start with our guide to the best CBSE school in
Bengaluru East.
Start Preparing a Few Weeks
Early
Adjust sleep and meal
routines
If your child’s holiday schedule has drifted, move bedtime and
wake-up time gradually towards the school routine. Aim to make the
change over ten days rather than overnight. Establish regular breakfast
and snack times.
Practise the morning routine
Do a “dress rehearsal” a week before. Wake up at school time, wear
the uniform, eat breakfast and walk to the bus stop or car. Children
feel more confident when they know what to expect.
Visit the school or bus stop
If the school allows, walk around the campus or at least the gate.
Meet the teacher if you can. If your child will use the school bus,
explain how it works and, where possible, show them the vehicle. Our school bus safety
checklist lists what to check.
Read and talk about school
Choose picture books about starting school. Ask your child what they
think will be fun and what they are unsure about. Listen without
hurrying to fix every worry.
Practise self-help skills
Let your child open their lunch box, drink from their water bottle,
wash hands and manage their bag. Small wins build confidence.
The Night Before
- Pack the bag together. Let your child choose a few items, such as a
water bottle. - Lay out the uniform and shoes.
- Label everything with your child’s name and class.
- Keep the evening calm. Avoid screens close to bedtime.
- Talk through the next day in simple steps: breakfast, bus or car,
teacher, play, home. - Go to bed on time. A rested child copes better.
Keep your own mood steady. Children read emotions from parents more
than from words.
The Morning Itself
Allow extra time
Rushing leads to tension. Wake up earlier than you think you need to,
so there is time for a hug, a spilled drink or a last-minute change of
shoes.
Eat a good breakfast
A filling, familiar breakfast helps energy and mood. Avoid trying new
foods on the first day.
Stay cheerful and
matter-of-fact
Say things like “Today is your school day. You will meet your teacher
and play with new friends.” Smile. If your child is nervous, acknowledge
the feeling: “It’s okay to feel a little worried. Lots of children
do.”
Take a photo, but do not
linger
A quick photo is a lovely keepsake. Keep it brief, so the build-up
does not grow.
The Goodbye
For many parents, the goodbye is the hardest part. These steps
help.
- Say goodbye clearly. Never sneak away. A child who
sees you leave learns that you will come back. - Keep it short and warm. A hug, a kiss and a
promise: “I will see you after snack time” or “I will pick you up when
school ends.” - Hand over to the teacher. Let the teacher take
over, and trust them. - Walk away calmly. Even if your child cries, do not
return repeatedly. Lingering often makes it harder. - Cry later, if you need to. Many parents do.
Teachers in early-years classes see tears every year and know how to
comfort children. Most children settle within minutes of the parent
leaving.
If You Are Using School
Transport
On the first day, plan to meet the bus at the stop, introduce your
child to the attendant and share any special information, such as
nicknames or health notes. MSDGS buses are GPS-tracked, with a female
attendant on every vehicle and seat belts for each child, and the school
can contact drivers through a two-way communication system. Keep your
phone close during the first drop-off.
Dealing With Tears and
Resistance
Tears are normal, whether on day one or day ten. Here is how to
respond.
- Acknowledge the feeling. “You miss me. I miss you
too.” - Stay consistent. Follow the same goodbye routine
every day. - Avoid bribes or threats. Neither builds long-term
confidence. - Ask the teacher for updates. Many teachers will
tell you how long the crying lasted after you left. Often it is shorter
than parents fear. - Be patient. Settling in can take days or
weeks.
If distress continues beyond a few weeks, or if your child seems
unusually withdrawn or unwell, talk to the teacher and consider speaking
with your paediatrician.
What to Pack
Packing varies by school, so confirm with the class teacher. Common
items:
- School bag with a name label
- Water bottle
- Snack or lunch in an easy-to-open container
- Spare clothes for younger children
- Hand towel or tissues
- Any required stationery or books
Avoid sending toys or valuables unless the school allows a comfort
item.
After School: How to Greet
Your Child
Children can be tired, hungry or emotional after a new experience.
Instead of rapid-fire questions, try:
- A warm hug and a snack
- A quiet moment before conversation
- Open questions like “What was the best part of your day?” or “Who
did you sit with?” - Patience if the answer is “I don’t remember”
Some children release their feelings only after getting home. Expect
some crankiness in the first weeks as they adjust.
The First Month
Keep routines steady
Predictable evenings help. Aim for regular homework or play time,
dinner, bath, a story and bedtime.
Connect with the teacher
Reach out early. MSDGS notes that teachers are available for
consultation with a day’s prior notice, and the school holds an annual
orientation for new parents. Share anything that helps the teacher know
your child: favourite activities, fears, comfort habits. See our parent-teacher partnership
guide.
Watch for friendships
Encourage playdates with classmates once your child is comfortable.
Friends make school feel safe.
Celebrate progress
Small wins deserve celebration: staying for the whole day, trying a
new food, making a friend, drawing a picture. Recognise effort.
Be ready for ups and downs
A child who happily goes for two weeks may suddenly resist again.
This is common, especially after a weekend or holiday. Stay steady.
For Older Children
Joining a New School
Starting in Class 3, 5 or 8 is a different experience. Older children
worry about making friends, understanding the system and fitting in.
Help by:
- Visiting the school together
- Practising introducing themselves
- Talking about what they hope for and what they fear
- Asking the school about a buddy or mentor
- Staying involved with homework in the first weeks
Our guide to mid-year school
transfers in Bengaluru offers more tips for children who join after
the year begins.
Tips for Parents:
Looking After Yourself
The first day affects you too. It is common to feel guilt, sadness or
worry, and also relief and pride, sometimes within the same hour. A few
gentle suggestions can help.
- Plan something for after drop-off. A coffee with
another parent, a walk or simply a quiet half hour can soften the
emotional dip. - Connect with other parents. Chances are many of
them feel the same. A short chat at the gate can make you feel less
alone, and it builds a support network for the year. - Keep your phone nearby, but resist the urge to call the
school every hour. If the teacher says your child has settled,
trust that. - Remember that your calm helps your child. Children
who see confident, cheerful parents are more likely to feel safe.
A Gentle
Message for Parents Whose Child Does Not Cry
Some children walk into class without a backward glance, and their
parents feel a surprising pang. That is normal too. A child who
separates easily is not loving you less. They are showing that they feel
secure, which is the result of the safe base you have built. Enjoy the
moment, and be ready for the possibility that the wobbles arrive a few
days later.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the
2027-28 school year start at MSDGS?
The FAQ states that it tentatively begins on 1 June 2027.
How can I meet my child’s
teacher?
The school states that teachers are available for consultation with a
day’s prior notice. Write or call the school to arrange it.
What should I do if my
child cries a lot?
Stay calm, follow a consistent goodbye routine and talk to the
teacher. Most children settle within a few weeks.
Does the school hold an
orientation?
Yes, the school holds an annual orientation for new parents.
We Are Here to Help
Starting school is a shared journey. If you have questions about the
first day or the first term at M S Dhoni Global School, call
+91-7599507777 or +91-7599607777, or send an admission enquiry. For readiness
guidance, see is my child
ready for nursery?
