New School, New Feelings: A Gentle Guide to the K2 to P1 Transition
Because starting Primary One is a journey for the whole family, not just your child.
The move from K2 to Primary One can feel huge for both parent and child. Children will face longer days, new routines, unfamiliar faces, and greater independence. For some, this feels exciting. For others, it can be a little overwhelming. And for many, it’s a mix of both.
As parents, there’s pride in watching your little one grow, and also a quiet worry: Will they cope? Will they fit in? Am I preparing them enough? Watching your child navigate these big changes can stir up emotions. We hope to walk alongside you through this transition. Think of it as a gentle companion through this wonderful and wobbly period.
What the K2 → P1 Transition Feels Like for Children
Beyond academics, entering P1 is a big emotional shift. Children may feel:
Excitement about new experiences and friends
Nervousness about longer days and unfamiliar routines
Confusion or uncertainty about what’s expected of them
Feelings can be shown through behaviour rather than words, such as:
Suddenly wanting extra cuddles
Becoming clingier than usual
Acting unusually “grown up”
Becoming moody, sensitive, or tired
These are non-verbal cues, not signs of regression. Your child might be looking for safety, and naturally, they will look to you first. For more support in understanding and responding to anxiety-based behaviours, read our guide on Supporting Children with Anxiety: Parenting Tips & Strategies.
What The K2 → P1 Transition Feels Like for Parents
Parents often carry their own emotional load during this period: pride, worry, sadness, excitement or even a tinge of grief at how quickly time is passing. Experiencing these feelings is natural and part of being a parent. Seeing your child face big changes can be both rewarding and challenging. Before helping your child, it’s important to recognise your own emotions and feelings to make this a supportive transition for both of you.
How You and Your Child Can Navigate This Transition Together
When you view both your and your child’s emotions together, it becomes more understandable why this transition can feel so big. You’re both adjusting to this transition together, each with your own mix of hopes and nerves. But this is also where the beauty lies, transitions don’t have to be a solo experience for either of you. With simple, intentional steps, this can become a shared journey - one where parent and child can support each other, learn together, and grow closer in the process.
Have Open, Pressure-Free Conversations
Children don’t always have the words to say, “I’m nervous,” so gentle prompts can help:
“What’s one thing you’re most curious about for Primary One?”
“What part do you hope will be fun?”
“What feels a little tricky or uncertain?”
The goal isn’t to resolve their feelings, but to create space for them to be expressed. You can also share your own first-day experiences, the butterflies, the nerves, the little triumphs. Sharing similar or relatable stories can help your child see that uncertainty is normal and something they can navigate with support.
Parent reassurance: Taking these small steps also eases your own worries, giving you a clearer sense of how your child is adjusting and building confidence in handling the transition.
Build Familiarity with the New Environment
The unknown feels less scary when it becomes more familiar. Together, try:
Visiting the school, if allowed
Exploring photos, maps, or virtual tours
Walking past the school gate
Talking about what a school day might look like
This turns “What if...?” into “I know what to expect.”
Parent reassurance: Seeing your child explore and understand the environment can help calm your own nerves by reducing surprises on the first day.
Small Skills to Build Big Confidence
Children feel more secure and capable when they can manage small tasks. Practice together:
Packing their school bag
Opening their lunchbox, water bottle, or wallet
Roleplaying school scenarios (e.g., asking for help, finding the toilet, ordering food, or joining a game)
These tiny steps build real resilience over time. For more ideas, this guide may help parents: Building Resilience in Children: 10 Strategies for Parents.
Parent reassurance: Watching your child practice and succeed in small skills reminds you that they are capable and/or working towards the independence P1 requires.
Create Routines That Feel Safe and Grounding
In the weeks leading up to P1:
Adjust wake-up and sleep times gradually
Practise a simple morning routine
Run through the school route together (walk, bus, or MRT)
Plan a calming after-school ritual (snack, chat, quiet time)
Parent reassurance: Practising routines ahead of time also helps you feel more in control and reduces morning stress on the first few school days.
Introduce Emotional Anchor Points
Small moments of connection to let your child know: “I’m here with you. You’re not alone in this.”
Bedtime “rose and thorn”: one good thing and one hard thing from the day
Morning hug
Short check-in
Lunchbox notes
Mindfulness exercises can also be grounding, see our article on: A Parent’s Activity Guide to Mindfulness for Children.
Parent reassurance: Creating these anchor points reassures you that your child has emotional support throughout the day, giving you peace of mind.
Use Play and Storytelling to Process Feelings
Children often work through concerns through pretend play:
“Let’s pretend you can't find your class. What could you do?”
“What might you say if you want to join a game at recess?”
“Let’s try lining up or raising our hand!”
Picture books about starting school also offer comfort, showing that other children go through the same things and come out okay.
Parent reassurance: Play and stories gives you insight into your child’s emotions, making it easier to know how to respond and reassure them.
Support Social Confidence (Gently, Not Forcefully)
Some children jump in easily. Others hang back. Both are perfectly okay. You can help by:
Offering low-pressure playdates or group play
Practising simple greetings and joining-in phrases
Talking through “what if” scenarios:
“What if you don’t know someone yet?”
“What if someone asks you to play but you’re not ready?”
“What if you feel shy?”
This gives them emotional “scripts” to fall back on when they’re unsure.
Parent reassurance: Seeing your child rehearse social situations helps you feel confident they’ll manage new interactions, easing first-week anxiety.
A Gentle Reminder for Parents
There is no universal “ready.” Your child isn’t behind. You are not behind.
Every child grows at their own rhythm, and readiness is shaped most by:
Connection
Emotional safety
Patience
Feeling understood
You don’t have to prepare everything. You don’t have to get it perfect. You and your child are learning together, and that is more than enough.