Helping to allay new school jitters. January 3, 2025 – Posted in: Blog, Children's Books, Starting A New School – Tags:

Growing up, we faced many milestones, some of which we remember and many of which we forget, but that isn’t to say that they weren’t truly terrifying or wonderfully exciting at the time. As a parent, you must remember that you have lived through these occasions yourself and are more than equipped to help your child journey through them, too. 

‘Riley’s Magic Shield’ focuses on a very important milestone that many children and parents find extremely daunting: starting school. With September less than a week away, this new beginning is quickly approaching for many. The transition from home to school will be filled with new experiences and a new norm for both child and parent. It is usual for such a change to make some children feel anxious or nervous. But remember you are not alone in this, and if your child or a child of a loved one is feeling the butterflies, then ’Riley’s Magic Shield’ could be of great comfort.

Riley is a kind-hearted and thoughtful young boy whose shy disposition has made the concept of starting school rather unnerving. However, as the day draws closer, Riley receives a brilliant gift from his Grandad: an invisible shield. The shield encourages Riley to use his imagination to find inventive ways to enjoy the start of school, bringing him comfort, courage and the tools to navigate this new beginning.

I believe that often, the most feared aspect of starting school is the pace at which it happens. This huge change occurs all in one day, which can be overwhelming for a young person. Perhaps lengthening the process will make this less intimidating. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, you could try presenting your child with little gifts related to school and learning. These gifts could be weekly, giving your child time to ease into the idea and perhaps start to learn how exciting school can be. Riley’s Grandad bought Riley an invisible shield, but instead of this, you could try a pencil case with a variety of coloured pencils inside or a pair of socks that say school or a little key chain for their backpack. The gifts don’t have to be extravagant. They can be so small, but they can help replace fear with enthusiasm. 

Above all, as a parent or loved one, it’s crucial to remember that with your reassurance and support, your child will adapt and thrive in their new environment.

Written By Ellena Newton