Mood Regulating Back-to-School Finds for Ages 3-6
It’s not middle school or high school, but the first day at preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten is a huge milestone (they’re in elementary school now!), so it’s only natural that you’d want your little ones to be prepared both emotionally and physically for the days ahead. I’ve been the parent of a little one filled with anxiety about time away from family in a new space. And felt the tug on my own heart while navigating this big change. No matter the selection of school, it can be difficult! So I’ve compiled some perfect back-to-school finds for ages 3-6 to help regulate moods and ease this transition. Whether your kids start school next week or have already started, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading.
This post contains affiliate links which, at no cost to you, allow me to earn a small commission on any purchases you make from the recommendations I share. This helps keep my website running so that I can offer you free content and resources! All items have been sent in for review by the brands or purchased by me to ensure a fit; I won’t recommend something if it doesn’t pass my rigorous testing as a scrunchy mom & someone who works with families. Please also keep in mind that any information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not in any way medical advice or a replacement for seeing a medical professional.
Back-to-School Finds for Ages 3-6
Every new school season comes with school shopping after getting a school supply list. But what about the things your little one needs to adjust to back-to-school time that aren’t covered in typical school supplies? bleach wipes — eek, maybe they’ll let you swap for Force of Nature and add an AirDoctor in the space — aren’t going to help your child feel safe and seen and regulated with this big life shift. But, ensuring your little one has some time to use strategies in unstructured free play (or structured if they prefer that) time to help them regulate (not mask) how they feel can help.
Back To School Essentials For Kids Ages 3-6
Sensory swing
Whether your little one is a little tornado or tends to be on the quiet side (sensory seeking or avoidant), installing Harkla’s Compression Sensory Swing will allow your child a cozy space to decompress after a long day at school. The no-sag nylon material allows for a two-way stretch when your child wants a soft reading nook. As well as a safe hold for swinging around or hanging from the swing to help your child regulate & calm.
Soothing stories
Yoto Mini has quickly become a favorite in my home. I enjoy using Yoto’s radio channel while swimming with the kids in the pool or listening to the jokes on the Yoto Daily channel at the start of the day or bath time with the kids. The Yoto Mini adventure jacket, digital clock and variety of story and song cards truly make this gadget a fam-favorite. Give your little one the Yoto mini to listen to music. Or a sweet little story while cuddling in their sensory swing!
Mindful moments
Another wonderful thing about Yoto is that they offer Mini Mindful Moments cards and Mindfulness for Kids cards to help your little one learn this vital skill in an accessible way over time. There are even cards to help with bedtime on school days like the Peppa Pig Bedtime Stories. All of these cards are available at Target or Amazon. Or you can enroll in the Yoto Club for special savings.
Transition aids
Starting school for the first time can be scary! Using a transitional aid like a favorite toy or stuffed friend can make the change feel a bit more familiar. Something like Warmies stuffed animals could allow a little one to feel more comfortable by smelling the comforting lavender and feeling the warmth of Puppy on the way to school. Take one pup (or whichever animal friend you pick. Warmies has so many!) to school and reunite them with a big hug after school. Littles can hug their Warmies throughout the school day when feeling anxious as well! (Just make sure you talk to the teachers ahead of time. And communicate why this item is needed and should stay close).
Activity sticks
Having some fun movement activities that your child can choose from is a positive way to start the school day (and work on any retained reflexes that might impact learning). Do the alerting or primitive reflex activities together before school to awaken their body and brain for the day ahead. Or utilize the calming strategies from the sensory calming activity ideas in the Harkla Sensory Sticks pack to ease your little one back to calm after a big day away from home.
Safe snack packs
Bento boxes are a lunchtime favorite for picky eaters and parents alike. Having a variety of healthy foods in your little one’s snack or lunch box helps to ensure they have the right amount of protein and nutrients to get through their day. A stainless steel bento box allows for a safe, chemical-free way to separate foods in one space.
Organized chaos
Let’s be honest… your kiddo is going to come home without their lunchbox, water bottle, jacket … at least one item this year. Adding a water-resistant name label to all of their school items will make getting some of these valuables back so much easier. Mabel’s Labels offers a Little Kid School Combo Pack filled with laundry-safe & durable labels. It’s great for backpacks, clothing, containers, toys, and shoes — everything you need to label during the first year at school. Customize your labels by font, name, and character to make them extra special and easy to find!
Comfortable clothing
Stylish, durable clothing that your kids will want to wear is important when starting a new school year. But comfort and safety are also huge. MORI Baby offers a variety of sensory-friendly organic cotton clothing that your little one can feel comfortable in as they navigate the new school day.
