4 Essential Back to School Conversations Every Parent Should Have

I’m definitely the type who thrives on checklists, and when it comes to the back-to-school rush, my list game is strong. Beyond the usual suspects—school supplies, doctor’s appointments, and new shoes—there’s one list that I consider crucial: the conversations I need to have with my child before they step into the new school year.

Today my son entered kindergarten 🥴 and as kids navigate their way through school, repetition is key; hearing important messages from different angles helps them really sink in. Although the conversations at 5 years old may be different than at 10 or 15, I definitely want to take advantage of this teachable moment. And no, I’m not talking about reminders to clean up their room or finish their homework. I’m talking about the stuff that supports their emotional well-being and mental health as they head back to school.

Here are the top 4 chats I’m prioritizing this week:

✅ Empowering Them to Seek Advice from Trusted Adults
I want my child to know that they don’t have to rely solely on me or their other parent for guidance. I’ll encourage them to reach out to a few trusted adults—whether it’s a close family friend, or a favorite teacher. I’ll also touch base with these adults to let them know they’ve got my blessing to step in when needed.

It truly does take a village, and they should feel supported by more than just their immediate family.

✅ Trusting Their Gut Instincts
I’ll remind them that sometimes their intuition—the little voice in their head or the feeling in their gut—can be their best guide. This inner compass is shaped by our family’s values, their sense of right and wrong, and their own personal experiences.

They want to make good choices, and their instincts can help them do that.

✅ Taming Their Inner Critic
It’s easy for self-doubt and negative self-talk to creep in, especially during the school year. I’ll make sure my child knows that it’s okay to challenge those harsh inner voices and treat themselves with the same kindness they would offer a friend. 

A gentle reminder that it’s easy to get caught up in comparisons—who has the coolest clothes, the best grades, the most friends—but that their journey is uniquely theirs. The goal is to do their best and celebrate others’ successes without feeling like they’re in competition.

They are more than enough just as they are.

✅ Setting Expectations Around Tough Topics
We’ll discuss the tricky parts of growing up—things like honesty, friendships, and peer pressure. For those of you with adolescents this should also include social media, sexual development, alcohol, vaping, drugs, and more.  

Be sure to share your hopes and expectations, and together establish boundaries and consequences. The aim is to help them understand that their choices have real impacts, and they have the power to steer their own ship.

If you’re looking for ways to reinforce these conversations at home, our online courses might be a great fit. We’ve packed them with tips and strategies to help kids navigate these topics with confidence. After all, every child deserves to feel prepared and supported as they head back to school!

What about you? What essential chats are you planning to have with your kids this school year?