How Families Can Nurture Connection in the First Weeks of School

Sep 18

The school year is now underway. Classrooms are filling with new routines, fresh faces, and familiar friendships. For many students, these first few weeks bring excitement—but also a bit of uncertainty. Whether they’re adjusting to new teachers, stepping into unfamiliar spaces, or reconnecting with old friends, one thing is especially important right now: a sense of belonging at school.

Why Belonging Matters

Research consistently shows that a strong sense of school belonging boosts academic achievement, encourages positive behaviour, and supports overall mental health. And while individual personality plays a role, what matters most are the relationships and routines students experience every day. Belonging begins with something as simple as saying hello, joining a lunchtime activity, or trying out a new club. These small but meaningful choices add up to stronger confidence and a healthier school culture. Encourage your learner to be more intentional about connecting with their peers—belonging starts with them.

Quick Tips for Families

Want to help your kids nurture real-life connections? Try one of these simple, screen-free practices together:

Brainstorm conversation starters for meeting new classmates.
Ask which school clubs or activities sound exciting to them.
Share your own story of a time you stepped outside your comfort zone to make a friend.
Designate a short “tech-free” window after school to talk face-to-face.

These practices provide low-pressure ways to practice the art of connection—something students will carry with them well beyond the classroom.

Conversation Starters for Home

The best way to spark deeper belonging is often through simple conversations. Taking time to reflect together as a family helps kids feel supported and gives them language to understand their experiences. These conversations can strengthen relationships at home AND equip students to carry that sense of connection into their classrooms.

When you show interest in your child’s school life—the ups and downs of their day, the friends they’re making, the challenges they face—you’re sending a powerful message: you matter, and your experiences matter. That genuine interest builds trust and helps kids feel seen, which is at the heart of belonging.

For younger students (K–5):

What does it feel like when someone invites you to join in?
Can you think of someone new at school who might need a friend?

For older students (Grades 6–12):

What helps you feel included in a group?
How are face-to-face friendships different from online ones?
What’s something new you’d be open to trying this month?

Final Thought

The first weeks of school set the tone for the months ahead. By helping kids take small, intentional steps toward belonging, we can give them the confidence to look up from their phones, connect face-to-face, and discover the joy of real connection.