As the UAE's summer break comes to a close, families across Dubai are beginning the familiar countdown to the new academic year. While the return to school signals routine and structure, it can also bring a swirl of emotions, especially for children moving to a new grade, starting at a new school, or relocating from another country.
With the right preparation, this season of transition can be one of growth and excitement, not stress. To help families across the UAE prepare with ease, Connector spoke with experts who shared essential, easy-to-follow tips to support your child emotionally, mentally, and practically as the school bell rings once again.
Resetting The Routine
One of the best ways to begin preparing your child for school is to start well before the reopening period. After a period of restful break, it's important that your children get back into the rhythm,of routine, learning and connection.
Anishkaa Malpani, Director at Dhruv Global School says, "Start by resetting sleep and wake-up times at least a week in advance. Gradually bring bedtime earlier and encourage children to wake up at school time. This reduces fatigue and makes mornings easier once school resumes".
This sentiment is echoed by Sarah Brannon, Head of Prep School at Brighton College Dubai, who recommends focusing on three areas in the week before school begins: organisation, routine, and connection. To begin with, make sure school essentials, uniforms, lunch boxes, stationery and tech, are sorted early. "Create a dedicated 'out-the-door' space at home with hooks or baskets for shoes and bags. Planning meals for the first week and syncing the family calendar, through apps like Cozi, can also reduce daily stress", adds Sarah Brannon from Brighton College Dubai.
A representative at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), adds that a gradual approach is best, and says, “Spend time practising the morning routine with your child, including waking up on time, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and enjoying a healthy breakfast. Establishing this rhythm in advance helps create a structure and significantly reduces pressure during the first week back".
The summer holidays can also mean long hours of screen time and unstructured play. Experts recommend slowly reintroducing light structure to help children mentally shift gears and note that reducing tech time slowly, and not abruptly, is key.
Practical Prep: Checklists, Supplies, And Simple Goals
One way to ease the mental load on both children and parents is to co-create checklists together. The representative from SISD suggests including practical steps like trying on uniforms, checking supplies, labelling personal items, and reading school communications together. Experts agree that this collaborative approach not only builds independence but also helps children feel more in control and prepared.
Anishkaa Malpani from Dhruv Global School adds, “Let children be part of the preparation process, including buying new supplies, organising the study table, or setting simple goals for the term ahead. Ownership builds excitement”.
For younger children, Sarah Brannon from Brighton College Dubai recommends using visual schedules or digital tools like Choiceworks to help them visualise their new routines and anticipate what each day holds.
While checklists are useful, emotional preparation is just as critical. “Talk openly about the return to school. Ask what they’re excited about, and what’s making them nervous. Don’t try to ‘fix’ feelings, just listen, validate, and reassure”, says Anishkaa Malpani from Dhruv Global School.
SISD's representative echoes the importance of conversation, and says, “Open, calm, and consistent communication is key. Acknowledge their feelings, and reassure them that nerves are normal. With the right tools and routines, it can be a calm, confident, and well-prepared experience”.
Settling Into A New Environment
Dubai is home to thousands of families who relocate from other parts of the world. For children, this transition can feel overwhelming, with a sudden exposure to new languages, new cultures, and unfamiliar environments.
“Moving to a new country like the UAE is an exciting leap, but for children, it can also be a whirlwind of change. Begin by creating a sense of familiarity and predictability. If possible, visit the school before the first day. Walk around the campus, locate classrooms, the cafeteria, and playground”, says Anishkaa Malpani from Dhruv Global School.
When a physical visit isn’t possible, explore the school website together and look at photos of the teachers and school spaces. Introduce local culture in a fun, positive way, either through books, short videos or even simple Arabic phrases.
Sarah Barron from Brighton College Dubai adds, "Arriving in Dubai a week or two early gives children time to adjust, get familiar with the school run, and discover family-friendly cafés, parks, and community spaces. Let them associate the move with fun, not just change. And most importantly, model calm confidence. Children take emotional cues from adults. If they see you embracing the transition with positivity and curiosity, they are more likely to do the same".
Family Traditions And Positive Mindsets
A simple way to make the back-to-school season more joyful is by creating small but meaningful family traditions. Sarah Brannon from Brighton College Dubai says, "Build small traditions to foster excitement and pride. A first-day photo, a 'Success Jar' for weekly achievements, or a Friday family reflection all help children feel supported and valued".
The back-to-school transition may never be completely stress-free, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. With thoughtful preparation, consistency and emotional support, families can turn this moment into an empowering milestone. Anishkaa Malpani from Dhruv Global School says, "Some children settle quickly, others take weeks or months, and that’s okay. Keep communication with teachers open and remind your child that they don’t need to be perfect. They just need to keep showing up. And you’ll be cheering them on every step of the way”.
So, as the new academic year begins, embrace the opportunity for growth. After all, every school year is more than just a return, it’s a brand new start.