First Day of School: Wishes for Your Child

The first day of school is a milestone that deserves more than a quick "have a good day" as they rush out the door. Whether it's kindergarten, middle school, or high school, that first morning brings a mix of excitement and nerves, for both kids and parents.

First day of school wishes for a child help ease those jitters while showing your support. A thoughtful note tucked into their backpack or a heartfelt message before they leave reminds them they're loved and capable, even when butterflies are dancing in their stomach.

Below you'll find over 70 messages for every grade level and relationship, plus creative ways to deliver them that'll make their first day even more special.

First Day of School Wishes from Parents

As a parent, your words carry weight on this big day. These messages balance encouragement with love.

1. "Happy first day of school! You're going to do amazing things this year. Remember, we're so proud of you no matter what. Have the best day, sweetheart!"
2. "Today is the start of something wonderful! You're smart, kind, and capable of anything you set your mind to. We love you and believe in you. Have a great first day!"
3. "First day of school! New friends, new adventures, new memories waiting to happen. You've got this, and we've got you. Love you so much!"
4. "We're so excited for you today! Remember to be yourself, be kind, and have fun. You're going to make this year incredible. Love you, have an amazing first day!"
5. "Happy first day! You're braver than you think and stronger than you know. We're cheering you on from home. Can't wait to hear all about your day. Love you!"
6. "New school year, new opportunities! You're going to learn so much and make wonderful memories. We're so proud of you already. Have the best day, sweetheart!"
7. "First day jitters are totally normal, even grown-ups get them! But we know you're going to walk in there and be amazing. You've got this. Love you endlessly!"
8. "Today marks the beginning of a great year! Be curious, be kind, and be yourself. We love you exactly as you are. Have a fantastic first day!"
9. "Happy first day of school! Remember, mistakes are how we learn and friends are everywhere waiting to meet you. You're going to do great. We love you!"
10. "You're starting a new chapter today, and we couldn't be more excited for you! You're smart, brave, and loved beyond measure. Have an amazing first day!"

First Day of School Note to Child for Their Lunchbox

A surprise note in their lunch makes the middle of the day brighter when nerves might still be lingering.

1. "Lunchtime already? You're doing great! We're thinking of you and can't wait to hear about your morning. Love you! - Mom & Dad"
2. "Hope your first day is going amazingly! Enjoy your lunch and know we're proud of you. Love, Mom & Dad"
3. "Halfway through! You've got this! Enjoy your lunch and have fun this afternoon. We love you so much!"
4. "Surprise! A lunch note to remind you that you're awesome and we love you. Can't wait to hear about your day tonight!"
5. "Happy lunchtime! Hope you're having the best first day. Remember to smile, you have the best one! Love you!"
6. "You're crushing your first day! Enjoy your lunch and make the afternoon just as great. We're so proud of you!"
7. "Little reminder: You're braver than you think! Have a great rest of your day. Love, Mom & Dad"
8. "Lunch break = you made it this far! Keep being your wonderful self. We love you and believe in you!"
9. "Hope your first day is full of fun and new friends! Enjoy your lunch, sweetheart. Love you!"
10. "You're doing amazing! (We just know it.) Enjoy your lunch and keep shining. Love you tons!"

Good Luck First Day of School Wishes for Girl

Messages specifically for daughters or young girls starting their school year.

1. "Good luck on your first day, sweetheart! You're going to shine bright and make this year amazing. We love you and believe in you!"
2. "Happy first day, beautiful girl! Remember to be kind to yourself and others. You're going to do incredible things this year. Love you so much!"
3. "Good luck today! You're smart, strong, and capable of anything. Walk in there with your head high, you've got this! Love you, princess!"
4. "First day of school! You're going to meet new friends, learn new things, and have so much fun. We're so proud of you. Love you endlessly!"
5. "Good luck, sweetheart! Be yourself, be brave, and know that we love you no matter what. You're going to have an amazing year!"
6. "Happy first day! You're beautiful inside and out, and this year is going to bring so many wonderful moments. We love you and can't wait to hear all about it!"
7. "Good luck today, sweet girl! Remember, you're capable of amazing things. Be confident, be kind, and have the best day!"
8. "First day magic is real, and you're about to experience it! Good luck, sweetheart. We're so excited for you. Love you!"

Good Luck First Day of School Wishes for Boy

Messages for sons or young boys heading back to school.

1. "Good luck on your first day, buddy! You're going to do great things this year. We're so proud of you. Go show them what you're made of!"
2. "Happy first day, champ! Remember to be kind, work hard, and have fun. You've got this! Love you, son!"
3. "Good luck today! You're smart, brave, and ready for whatever this year brings. We believe in you completely. Have an amazing day!"
4. "First day of school! New adventures are waiting for you. Be yourself, make friends, and enjoy every moment. Love you, buddy!"
5. "Good luck, son! You're going to crush this year. Remember, we're always here cheering you on. Have the best first day!"
6. "Happy first day! You're capable of incredible things. Walk in there with confidence and show them how awesome you are. Love you, champ!"
7. "Good luck today, buddy! Work hard, play hard, and be the amazing kid you are. We're so proud of you. Love you!"
8. "First day jitters? Totally normal. But you're going to walk in there and be great. Good luck, son. We love you!"

First Day of High School Message

High school is a bigger transition, your message should acknowledge the milestone while offering support.

1. "Happy first day of high school! This is such an exciting chapter. You're ready for this, stay true to yourself and enjoy the journey. We're so proud of you!"
2. "Welcome to high school! These next few years will bring challenges and amazing moments. You've got what it takes to handle both. Good luck, we love you!"
3. "First day of high school! New school, new faces, new opportunities. You're going to do incredible things. We believe in you completely. Have a great day!"
4. "High school starts today! It might feel overwhelming, but remember, everyone else is figuring it out too. Be yourself, be brave, and have fun. Love you!"
5. "Happy first day of high school! You've worked hard to get here. Now enjoy it, learn everything you can, and make memories. We're so excited for you!"
6. "Welcome to the high school years! You're going to grow so much during this time. We're here for all of it, the good, the tough, and everything between. Love you!"
7. "First day of high school! Four years of opportunities are ahead of you. Stay focused, stay kind, and stay true to who you are. We're so proud of you!"
8. "High school! This is where you'll find your people, your passions, and yourself. We're excited to watch it all unfold. Good luck today, we love you!"

Wishing You a Great School Year Messages

These messages work for any grade level and focus on the entire year ahead.

1. "Wishing you a great school year! May it be filled with learning, laughter, and wonderful memories. You're going to do amazing. Love you!"
2. "Here's to a fantastic school year! We know you'll work hard, make friends, and have so much fun. We're proud of you already. Love you!"
3. "Wishing you the best school year yet! May every day bring something new to discover and enjoy. You've got this, sweetheart!"
4. "Happy new school year! May this year bring you growth, happiness, and success in everything you do. We're cheering you on. Love you!"
5. "Wishing you a great school year filled with curiosity, kindness, and fun! You're going to make this year incredible. Love you so much!"
6. "Here's to a year of learning, growing, and making memories! We're so excited for you. Wishing you the best school year. Love you!"
7. "May this school year bring you everything you're hoping for and more! We believe in you and can't wait to see all you accomplish. Love you!"

Messages from Grandparents

Grandparents bring a special kind of encouragement, warm, proud, and full of wisdom.

1. "Happy first day of school, sweetheart! We're so proud of you and can't wait to hear all about your day. You're going to do wonderful things. Love, Grandma and Grandpa"
2. "Good luck on your first day! You're smart, kind, and loved so much. We know you're going to have a great year. Love you, sweetie!"
3. "First day of school! We remember when your mom/dad started school, and now it's your turn. You're going to do amazing. Love, Grandma and Grandpa"
4. "Wishing you the best first day! Remember to be yourself and have fun. We're thinking of you and sending all our love. You've got this!"
5. "Happy first day, precious one! We're so proud of the person you're becoming. Have a wonderful day and know we love you endlessly!"
6. "Good luck today! You're going to learn so much and make wonderful friends. We can't wait to hear all about it. Love you, Grandma and Grandpa!"
7. "First day of school! You make us proud every single day. Have fun, work hard, and remember how much we love you. Can't wait to hear about your day!"

Messages from Older Siblings

Older siblings can offer relatable advice mixed with encouragement.

1. "First day! You're going to do great. And if you need anything, I'm just a text away. (Well, after school.) Good luck, love you!"
2. "Happy first day! Don't worry, it gets easier after today. You've got this, and I'm proud of you. Love you, little sibling!"
3. "Good luck today! Remember, everyone's nervous on the first day. Just be yourself and you'll be fine. Love you!"
4. "First day of school! Take a deep breath, walk in with confidence, and show them how awesome you are. You've got this. Love you!"
5. "Happy first day! School's not so bad once you get into it. You're going to do great. Text me later and tell me how it went. Love you!"
6. "Good luck, buddy! First days are always weird, but you'll survive. And hey, you've got a cool older sibling to ask for advice. Love you!"
7. "First day! You're braver than you think. Go in there and be amazing. I'm proud of you already. Love you, little one!"

Messages from Younger Siblings

Younger siblings looking up to their older brother or sister can keep it sweet and simple.

1. "Good luck on your first day! You're the coolest and I know you'll do great. Love you!"
2. "Happy first day! I'm going to miss you today but I can't wait to hear about school. Love you so much!"
3. "Good luck! You're my favorite person and I know you're going to have the best day. Love you!"
4. "First day of school! You're so brave. I hope you have so much fun. Love you!"
5. "Happy first day! I'm proud of you. Can't wait to play when you get home. Love you!"

Creative Ways to Deliver Your First Day of School Note

How you deliver your message matters almost as much as what you write. Here are creative ways to surprise them:

In their backpack: Tuck a note into a front pocket where they'll find it when grabbing supplies. Perfect for a mid-morning encouragement boost.

On their lunchbox: Write directly on a napkin, stick a post-it note on their sandwich container, or slip a card inside with their snack.

In their pencil case: A small note folded into their pencil pouch gives them a surprise when they reach for a pen.

In their pocket: Slip a note into their jacket or pants pocket before they leave. They'll discover it throughout the day.

On the bathroom mirror: Write a message with dry-erase marker or lipstick that they'll see while getting ready.

Breakfast plate surprise: Place a note under their plate or next to their breakfast so it's the first thing they see.

Water bottle pocket: If their water bottle has a sleeve or holder, tuck a note in there for them to find at lunch.

Shoe surprise: Write a message on a sticky note and place it inside their shoe (they'll find it when they change for gym class).

Book bookmark: Slip a note into their favorite book or school planner as a bookmark.

Car dashboard note: If you're driving them, place a note on the dashboard that they'll see during the ride.

If family members or friends can't be there in person to wish them luck, create a video message where everyone can record their own first-day wishes. Grandparents across the country, cousins in different states, or family friends who've moved away can all contribute. It's something special your child can watch the night before or after their first day to feel all the love surrounding them.

Make Their First Day Memorable

The first day of school is a big deal, no matter what grade they're entering. Your first day of school wishes won't erase the nerves, but they will remind them that someone believes in them completely, and sometimes that's exactly what kids need to walk through those doors with confidence.

Whether you write a heartfelt first day of school note to a child, send a text, or create a video message, what matters most is showing up for them in a way that feels genuine. Make it personal, make it encouraging, and make them feel loved.

Now go send your child off to their best first day yet, they've got this, and so do you.

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