Starting School: A Guide for Parents on Routines, Emotions & Essentials

When Little Backpacks Get Bigger: Preparing for the Start of School (and All the Feelings That Come With It)

There’s something about the start of school that feels like a milestone not just for children, but for parents too.

Suddenly, little backpacks appear by the door. Uniforms are laid out the night before. Lunch boxes, hats, notes from school — and with them, a mix of excitement, pride and a quiet ache as we realise just how fast our children are growing.

I haven’t reached the “first day of school” drop-off yet — ours will be in 2027 — but even now, I feel those mixed emotions. Wanting that big day to arrive, and at the same time wishing time would slow down just a little. Because right now, having them close, full-time, still feels so precious.

Remembering Our Own School Days

When I think about school, I don’t just think about classrooms or homework. I think about friendships, teachers who shaped me, and the feeling of growing up alongside the same faces for years.

I’m still blessed to call some of the people I met on my very first day of school my friends today.

I can vividly remember my own first day. My mum dropping me off with my little sister in her arms. Both of us crying, but also excited. Crisp uniforms, so much to learn. Teachers stamping our work with happy or sad bears, and one moment I still cherish — the first time the whole classroom sang Happy Birthday for me and my classmates born in the same month.

These are the memories we hope our children will carry with them too.

Supporting Our Kids Through This Big Transition

Starting school is a big emotional shift for children. New routines, new expectations, new friendships — and sometimes big feelings they don’t yet know how to name.

As parents, our role is to help them feel safe, confident and prepared. Often, that starts with the little things:

• Talking through what their day might look like

• Creating calm morning routines

• Letting them take ownership of small responsibilities

And yes, making sure their school bag is packed with essentials that support their day.

Why Hydration Matters at School

One thing that’s easy to overlook during busy school mornings is hydration.

Kids are learning, playing, running and growing — and staying hydrated supports:

• Concentration and focus in the classroom

• Energy levels throughout the day

• Overall wellbeing, especially during warmer months

A good insulated kids water bottle isn’t just an accessory; it’s a daily tool that helps kids feel comfortable and capable throughout their school day.

Choosing the Right Water Bottle for School

When choosing a water bottle for school, parents often look for:

• Easy-to-use lids little hands can manage

• Durable materials that survive backpacks and playgrounds

• Leak-proof designs to avoid soggy school bags

• A size that’s practical for school days

Our kids’ water bottles for school are designed with all of this in mind — made for busy school days, lunch breaks, and playground adventures, while helping children build healthy hydration habits from an early age.

A New Chapter, One Day at a Time

To all the parents sending their children off to school this year — whether it’s your first time or your fifth — we’re wishing you a beautiful start to the term.

May you find your rhythm, adapt to new routines, and watch your little ones achieve milestones you’ll remember forever.

Because even though the backpacks get bigger, the moments still matter — and they’re happening right now.

With love, Lili, Tolu Australia Founder and mum of three