So, you’re thrilled that you were able to sell your home quickly, and you’re moving into your new house in a gorgeous new neighborhood! However, your child may be less thrilled than you as they face the challenge of transferring to a new school. Change can be daunting for children, and also for their parents who may be feeling guilty about uprooting them during such a transitional part of their life.
However, changing schools can be a wonderful opportunity for new adventures, and a better life for your child. Here are some of the best tips for helping your child adjust to their new school, and thrive in unfamiliar new territory.
Acknowledge Their Fears
Chances are your child is feeling uneasy and shy about having to adjust to a new class. Instead of dismissing their fears by ensuring them that “everything will be fine,” it’s much more effective to acknowledge their fears. Tell them that you understand why they’re feeling scared, but reassure them that everything will be okay. Tell them about a relatable situation where you had to experience a new environment, and what you gained from the experience. Sometimes a relatable story can be incredibly reassuring to nervous children.
Transition With Them
Instead of simply dropping them off at the front gate and driving away, help your child transition into the new class. Take time to meet the teacher, and talk with some of the other parents. If possible, go into the classroom, and help your child adjust to the new setting. This is especially important for younger children who don’t have the same social skills as older ones. Chances are having to adjust to a new classroom is nerve-racking, and the more support you can help them in the beginning, the more you’ll set them up for success.
Get Involved
One of the best ways to help your child feel like they belong in their new school is by getting involved. Take any opportunity you can to go to school events, or volunteer when the opportunity arises. Whether it’s attending parent-teacher conferences or helping in a bake sale, the more that you can start to insert yourself into the school, the more you’ll lead by example.
Keep Your Child Busy
Child psychologists recommend keeping your child as busy as possible when they’re transitioning into a new school. Too much downtime can cause them to start to feel depressed, and give them time to miss their old friends. Instead, keep their schedule full of plenty of extracurricular activities, and quality time with the family. In many cases, keeping your child busy will distract them from any negative feelings associated with the move.
Originally posted on November 21, 2021 @ 11:34 pm