Back-to-School Communication Prep: Helping Your Toddler Feel Ready (Without the Overwhelm)

Whether your little one is heading to preschool for the first time or just jumping back into routine, this transition can feel big—for both of you.

Hey, mamas and dadas — can you believe it’s already back-to-school season?

Whether your little one is heading to preschool for the first time or just jumping back into routine after a summer of splash pads and popsicles, this transition can feel big—for both of you.

As a pediatric speech therapist and a toddler mom myself, I’ve seen how just a few intentional steps can make a huge difference in helping our kids feel more confident, connected, and ready to thrive—especially when it comes to communication.

Here are some of my favorite go-to strategies I use with my own kids and the families I work with:

1. Talk Through the Daily Routine

Before school starts, walk your child through what their morning might look like—step by step.

🗣 “First we’ll wake up and brush our teeth. Then we get dressed, eat breakfast, and grab your backpack!”

Narrating the routine helps them know what to expect and builds their language skills at the same time.

2. Play Pretend ‘School’ at Home

This is one of my go-to strategies. Practice school-day moments like:

👋 Saying hello to the teacher

✋ Asking for help

🧸 Inviting a friend to play

Role-play makes it feel familiar before the real thing—and it’s such a sweet way to connect!

3. Try a Visual Schedule or Social Story

Some kids love knowing what’s coming next (don’t we all?). A simple visual schedule or a little story about what school might be like can go a long way in reducing those “new place jitters.”

4. Turn Listening Into a Game

Games like “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader” help kids practice listening and following directions without pressure. It’s communication practice wrapped in play—my favorite kind!

5. Practice Asking for What They Need

We want our kids to feel confident speaking up when they need something—like a potty break, a tissue, or help opening their lunch. Practice simple phrases like:

✋ “Can you help me, please?”

🍎 “I need a snack.”

🚽 “I have to go potty.”

These little phrases go a long way toward helping them feel safe and self-assured at school.

From My Home to Yours:

My toddler is starting preschool for the first time in two weeks, we are practicing all of this—yes, even the “Hi, teacher!” in the mirror—and I can see how much it helps ease his nerves. No transition is totally smooth (and that’s okay!), but preparation makes progress.

You’ve got this—and your child does too.

Need More Support?

If your little one is still struggling with communication or social interactions, I offer custom coaching, social stories, and back-to-school support plans to make this next chapter feel a lot less stressful—and a lot more fun.

Let’s make this school year one to celebrate. 🎉