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How do I make transitions (from nursery to school) easier?

Parenting Perspective

Transitions, especially the move from nursery to school, can be one of the first significant emotional shifts a young child experience. The structure, social expectations, and even the length of the day are all new. Consistency in your routines at home builds a sense of safety. Maintain familiar patterns around meals, sleep, and morning preparation so that at least part of the day feels predictable. Children thrive when they know what to expect. Let your child take a small comfort item with them if needed, like a soft toy or a note from you in their pocket. Encourage small responsibilities, such as choosing their snack or packing their bag, to give them a sense of control and confidence. Most importantly, listen carefully to their feelings. Do not rush to fix or dismiss them. Offer steady reassurance and let them know it is okay to feel unsure. Emotional readiness grows best in calm, responsive environments.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Inshirah (94), Verse 6: ‘Indeed, with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty).’ This verse is not only a reminder but a promise. Transitions, while challenging, are never without support from Allah Almighty. They are moments of growth wrapped in temporary discomfort, but they also carry the seeds of new strength and opportunity.

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 4734, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ comforted children tenderly during moments of sadness or change, always with patience and mercy. He ﷺ recognised that transitions, even for the smallest members of the community, were real experiences that deserved compassion. When a child faces a new setting or separation from a familiar place, this Prophetic model teaches us to lead with calmness, to offer soft presence rather than push for performance.

Supporting a child through a school transition is not only a practical duty but a spiritual opportunity. It teaches them trust, resilience, and how to find peace through routine and prayer. Making Dua together before school, saying Bismillah at the door, or reflecting on small successes at day’s end all invite barakah into the process. With this approach, you are not only preparing them for the classroom but equipping their hearts for life.

 

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