Way to Grow knows that the start of school is filled with possibility. New friendships, new discoveries, and new chances to grow await every child. Some children feel excited right away. Others need a little extra support to build confidence. Both are completely normal, and families can use simple strategies to help everyone feel ready and strong.
What an Early Childhood Leader Says About School Transitions
Coco Du leads Way to Grow as CEO. Recently, she shared insights with MPR’s Nina Moini about how parents can turn back-to-school jitters into confidence and readiness.
For over 35 years, Way to Grow has partnered with Minneapolis families, helping children thrive from birth through third grade. Our Family Educators work directly with thousands of families each year, celebrating strengths and building on what families already do well.
Coco shared an empowering insight that helps many parents: when parents feel confident and calm, children mirror that strength. “Parents’ well-being directly impacts their children,” Coco explained in the MPR interview. “When we take care of ourselves and approach transitions with confidence, our children feel safer stepping into new experiences.”
Children are naturally tuned into their parents’ emotions. When grown-ups feel steady and positive, kids absorb that energy. This creates a strong foundation for navigating new situations.
Hear More from Coco Du
Want to learn more about building confidence during school transitions? Listen to Coco’s full conversation with MPR’s Nina Moini about supporting both children and parents. You can also find it on the Minnesota Now podcast.
Proven Ways to Build Back-to-School Confidence
Based on Way to Grow’s decades of impact in early childhood education, here are strength-based strategies that empower families:
Create Predictable Routines That Build Security
Children feel confident when they know what comes next. Give the following family rituals a try.
- Evening prep time: Pack backpacks together and choose tomorrow’s outfit
- Morning connection moments: Share breakfast and a goodbye hug or special handshake
- Bedtime stories: End each day with reading and calm conversation
- Weekly planning: Look at the calendar together so children know what to expect
When routines are consistent, children develop independence and self-assurance. They learn, “I know what to do. I can handle this.”
Be Curious About Your Child’s Thoughts and Feelings
Children express their feelings in many ways. Some might talk openly, while others might show emotions through their behaviors.
- Extra energy or silliness
- Wanting more hugs
- Asking lots of questions
- Needing extra time in the morning
All of these are signs your child is processing new experiences. Use questions that invite sharing like those shared here.
- “What are you most excited about at school?”
- “Tell me about your new classroom.”
- “What would help you feel ready?”
- “Is there anything you want to practice together?”
These simple approaches, used by Way to Grow’s Family Educators during home visits, help children develop self-awareness and problem-solving skills.
Model Self-Care and Confidence
Children learn by watching. When you take care of yourself, you teach them how to manage life’s transitions.
- Take short breaks when you need them
- Ask for support from friends or family
- Talk positively about your own challenges
- Celebrate small wins
When you show confidence in handling new situations, your child learns to approach change with strength and optimism.
Why Way to Grow’s Strength-Based Approach Works
For more than three decades, Way to Grow has celebrated what families do well while building on their natural strengths. Our evidence-based home visiting model focuses on the whole family’s success, not just managing challenges.
Our track record shows what happens when families are supported.
- 88% of Way to Grow children were prepared for kindergarten
- 80% of K–3 students demonstrated growth in reading level assessments
- 91% of parents attended at least one parent-teacher conference during the last school year
These outcomes happen because we start early, stay consistent, and build on family strengths. Back-to-school transitions become opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress.
Support for Your Family’s Journey
School transitions are just one part of your child’s learning story. Way to Grow offers free, personalized support for families with children from birth through third grade. Our Family Educators provide:
- Age-appropriate early learning activities
- School readiness coaching
- Strength-based parent support
- Connections to helpful community resources
Ready to build on your family’s strengths? Learn more about enrolling your family today.
Want to support this work in your community? Discover how you can get involved with Way to Grow.
Additional Resources for Building Family Confidence
- CDC: Positive Parenting Tips — Research-based strategies by age
- PBS Parents: Child Development — Free activities and resources
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child — Science of early learning
