Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to a New School

Children change schools for many reasons. Sometimes parents move or school districts get rezoned. As children grow they go from elementary school, to middle school, and then to high school. Your child may just be transitioning to a new grade level and have to change schools. Whatever the reason for a child going to a new school, here are some suggestions to help them adjust and make the transition easier.

If you are moving to a new school district and have to change schools, try to do it before the new school year begins. Your child will feel less alone starting a new school if all the kids are starting school at the same time.

If you have the opportunity to choose schools, involve your child in the decision making process. Children who help choose the school they go to will adjust better than a child having decisions made for them. Consider your child's thoughts.

Tour the school with your child. If your child knows where to go on the first day, he or she will be less likely to get stressed about being lost and not having anyone to ask for help. Take your child to their classes and have them lead you around.

Meet the teachers. It is important not only for your child to meet the teachers, but also for the parents to meet the teachers. The teacher should ease your child's fear and anxiety. You will find out what materials are needed for the class and what is expected of your child. Having expectations for the child will help him or her focus on the task at hand.

Volunteer at your child's school. If you have the time, you may want to volunteer at your child's school. Ask your child if he or she minds you volunteering. Some children may feel having a parent at school will cause harassment for them. Other children like the security of mom or dad being nearby.

Ask the teacher or principal how your child might be able to meet some of the students. If your child becomes friends with another student before school begins, the transition to a new school will be much easier.

Talk to your child about going to the new school. Communication will be key to your child's success. Talk about how your child is feeling and help your child find solutions to his or her problems. Leaving old friends will be difficult and you will need to help in the transition. Talk to your child about how to make new friends.

Be positive whenever talking to your child about his or her new school. "Talk-up" the new school. Tell your child how they will make new friends. Share positive thoughts on the new school. Maybe the school has a bigger playground or different academics. The library might even have more books. Whatever you have seen that is different about the new school tell the child how much better it will be.

Drop your child off at school on the first day. Tell him or her goodbye and let them know it will be okay.

Prepare the night before for the next day. Choose clothes. Gather all the school supplies and have them ready. Your child will be more relaxed knowing he or she is prepared.

Let your child join an extra curricular activity. Being the new student will be stressful for your child. If he or she has an activity they already do, see if it is available at the new school. An extra curricular activity will also help your child adjust to the new school, as well as make friends.

It is really important to stick to a routine at home. Your child will feel less stressed if their home life is stable. That means he or she needs to know what is expected of them at home. A routine will help your child adjust to any changes outside the realm of "home time". A routine also helps your child know that there is an end in sight and mom or dad will always be there after school.

Transitioning to a new school is difficult. Using these tips will help your child feel less stressed and more confident about their change to a new school.