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 Whether you are moving mid-term or your child is transitioning to middle, junior or high school, starting a new school can be difficult at any age. To ease this process, we’ve come up with a few things that can make starting over a lot easier. One of the hardest things about making a move is breaking the news to your children. “Tell them at a calm time,” says Dr. Kathy Nickerson, an Irvine-based clinical psychologist, author and founder of FeelBetterNetwork.com. “Talk to them about why the change is needed, then give them a bit of information and see if they ask for more.” Your child may fear entering unfamiliar territory, and it’s tough to leave old friends behind. To ease the change, familiarize your child with the new environment and alleviate her concerns about leaving her friends. “If you know anyone who attends that school, let the kids know and help to facilitate a couple of meetings before school starts,” says Nickerson. “It always helps to start school with a friend.” Getting involved with any extracurricular activities can help a child develop a social circle outside her own school. Involvement with activities will introduce your child to other kids her age, allowing her to make friends.  Some schools may offer the option of attending field trips, recitals and other school activities before your child enrolls. This is a great way to let your child experience the school beforehand, and can help ensure she sees familiar faces – and perhaps already have a few friends – when she begins her first day.Visiting the school before your child starts can give her a better idea of what the school is like. Knowing her way around could dramatically decrease her fear. With confidence of knowing her way around, it will be easier for your child to adjust. “I cannot overstate the importance of having your child tour the school, ask questions of the admissions director, and spend at least one day in the classrooms,” says Lindsay Journo, executive director of LePort Schools. “We have had reluctant prospective students who, after experiencing first-hand our enthusiastic teachers and welcoming students, ask if they can enroll sooner!” Arranging a “meet and greet” with her teacher is also another great way to make your child more confident in starting a new school. Meeting the teacher before school begins will allow your child to feel comfortable in her class.  Since stress-free parents make for happier children, familiarize yourself with the school and keep yourself updated with newsletters and events. “Forge strong lines of communication with the school,” says Journo. “Speak to your child’s new principal and/or teachers to ensure that they are putting forth the extra effort to make your child feel welcome and secure.” Remain in strong contact with your child’s teacher in order to ensure that she is staying on track, maintaining good behavior and putting in the effort to earn good grades. Before the first day of school, make sure your child gets plenty of sleep; the following morning, make a good, healthy breakfast. Having clothes picked out and lunch made the night before will reduce stress and anxiety for both you and your child. Amanda Estep is an intern at OC Family magazine.  Make it easier for your kids to ease into a new school1. Tour the school Allowing your child to explore the school will make him feel more confident when arriving to school on the first day. 2. Meet the teacher Check with your school to see if it offers a “meet and greet” program in the summer. If not, arrange for your child and his teacher to meet prior to the first day. 3. Check out school activities Some schools offer new students the opportunity to check out activities. It’s a great way to meet new friends or just familiar faces. 4. Get involved Sign up for extracurricular activities, such as a sports team, dance team or any other class that your child may be interested in. 5. Stay connected Be available to your kids if they have any questions or concerns. Stay in touch with teachers and staff. Make sure that your child remains comfortable and happy. Sources: feelbetternetwork.com leportschools.com |
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RSS SubscribeReaders Feedback:
The above tips are quite helpful for the wee ones.
The two things that we felt helped with the transition was the social skills that were developed early on. Just being able to interact with those other than my wife and me, and other classmates, help set the tone for interacting with new friends at the new school. Another key element was the extra-curricular activities. When they were at flag football or at swim class, those kids are from various schools, while at the same time there were some bonding moments in a neutral environment to all kids.
Great article!
| Comment at 8/7/2009 |
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