Back to School: Turning Nerves into Opportunities!

Welcome back to the Koi Wellness blog, your trusted resource for child development and empowerment. I'm Aya Porté, your occupational therapist (OT) who is passionate about nurturing children's potential and supporting cross-cultural families. 

As the school year kicks off here in Japan, many of us are navigating the transition back into familiar routines—or perhaps, stepping into entirely new ones. Whether your child is returning to a familiar classroom or facing the excitement and anxiety of a new school, this time of year can be filled with mixed emotions. As caregivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but what if we could turn those nerves into opportunities for growth and excitement?

Today, I’d like to share my own experience as I started a new role at Neurodiversity School in Tokyo (NSIT), and how we can take small, intentional steps to help ourselves—and our children—embrace the new with confidence and resilience.

Turning Nervous Energy into “Nerve-citement”

For some children, returning to school means reconnecting with familiar faces and routines that make them feel safe. But for others, it can mean stepping into a new world—new teachers, friends, and systems. It’s easy to feel like this uncertainty will lead to chaos, but it’s possible to transform this nervousness into excitement, or as some like to call it, "nerve-citement."

A fresh start doesn’t have to be overwhelming; with the right perspective, it can be empowering. The key is in how we frame the experience, both for ourselves and for our children.

I recently started a new consulting role at Neurodiversity School in Tokyo (NSIT). It’s an experimental position, where I bring my years of hands-on occupational therapy (OT) experience to support not only students but also teachers and parents through the Reggio Emilio Approach and DIR/Floortime. 

The transition into this role could have been daunting—new faces, new challenges—but it has turned out to be an enriching and fulfilling experience. And the difference? Preparation, patience, and a positive mindset.

Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

I approached this new opportunity the same way I encourage parents to help their children approach new challenges and situations: by taking small steps.

The night before my first day, I prepared: selecting clothes, packing my bag, and even meal prepping. These small actions helped create a sense of calm and control, allowing me to approach the day with confidence. Even if you’re someone who preps for the week on Sunday or just the night before, this preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly the day unfolds—especially when there’s more than just yourself to consider.

This kind of preparation applies not just to school, but to any new environment your child may face. Whether it’s meeting new teachers, a new occupational therapist, or adapting to new classmates, helping your child feel prepared and supported can make the experience feel less overwhelming and more manageable.

The Power of Environment

In my new role, I’ve already had several conversations with teachers about managing challenging behaviors they haven’t encountered before. It goes something like this: Everything seems to be going well, a child is happily riding a swing, and then seemingly out of nowhere, they scream as if in pain, and suddenly they are inconsolable.

What just happened? Did I do something wrong? What did I miss? It happened as quickly as a light switch. These moments can be unsettling, but with hands-on experience, patience, and attuning to the child’s needs before, after, and in the moment, we can understand that each child is unique and requires individualized care to thrive.

The environment plays a huge role in shaping a child’s experience. For children, having a supportive, structured environment can mean the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered to tackle new challenges. The same goes for parents and caregivers—when we surround ourselves with the right support systems, we create space for growth and resilience.

Choosing the Right Support for Your Child

The people who surround your child—teachers, therapists, caregivers—play a significant role in their growth. When selecting these key figures, look beyond surface qualifications. Ask yourself: 

How does my child feel around this person? 

Are my child’s emotional needs being met, in addition to supporting their learning?

Have there been noticeable improvements in their behavior or learning since working with them? 

What do other parents say about their experiences? Is this detailed feedback, or just a kind word or two?

These are the questions that can help you find the right fit for your child’s developmental team. Trust your instincts and take the time to research thoroughly, ensuring your child is surrounded by people who truly understand and support their unique needs.

Empowering Your Child to Thrive

The journey of helping your child adapt to new environments and challenges is one that requires patience and persistence. Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight, but with small, intentional steps, you can help your child become more confident and resilient.

As I settle into my role at NSIT, I am constantly reminded of how fulfilling it is to work with children and their families to make meaningful changes. The most rewarding part is seeing children grow in ways that set them up for long-term success.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by new school transitions or developmental challenges, remember that small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s creating a calming morning routine, seeking out the right therapist, or simply taking time to connect with your child, you are moving toward a positive future for your family.

Embrace the journey together, one step at a time.

If you’d like more personalized tips or support, feel free to schedule a call with me here or connect with me on LinkedIn, ​Instagram​, and ​Facebook. And don’t forget to share this article with fellow parents—it’s all about lifting each other up!