Whether you’re moving to a new town, new state, or a new country, moving brings a whirlwind of changes for the whole family, and one of the most significant adjustments and stressors for children is transitioning to a new school. It’s not abnormal for children to switch schools at least once in their life. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, 70% of kids switch schools once or twice before high school. However, this may not be an easy adjustment for them.
As parents, it’s natural to want to ease this transition for our children, helping them feel comfortable and confident in their new educational environment. There are ways you can help your children navigate this new transition.
Preparing for the Transition
Before the big move, start communicating with your child openly about the upcoming changes and what they can expect. Understand that leaving all they know including their friends and starting over will be a difficult task for them and they may feel a strong range of emotions about it.
Encourage your children to express their feelings and concerns about the big change and reassure them that you’ll support them every step of the way. You can point out what will stay the same and make the transition with them such as their toys, pets, bedroom furniture, and whatever else means a lot to them.
Involving your child in the transition process may help them feel more in control and empowered and may even get them excited about the change. Consider letting them participate in decisions such as choosing new school supplies or decorating their new bedroom. Additionally, visiting the new school together before the first day can help familiarize your child with the environment and ease any anxieties they may have about the unknown.
Establishing a Support System
Building a support network within the new school community is crucial for helping your child feel connected and supported. Navigating new social dynamics such as hierarchies, peer groups, and cliques can be difficult.
Encourage them to make new friends and be open to meeting new people. You can ask the school about what extracurricular activities or clubs they offer and relay that information to your child. Activities or clubs can be excellent opportunities for forging friendships. Your child can then decide what piques their interests and join them.
Fostering communication with teachers and school staff is also essential. Introduce yourself and your child to their teachers, counselors, and administrators. As your child transitions into the new school, you can reach out to these trusted adults and see how your child is adapting.
Additionally, allow your child to communicate with their old friends whenever possible to continue to nurture their current support system. If you’ve moved far away, video calls are an easy option for your child to connect with their friends.
Know Who to Report Incidents To
Your child should know that they should never hesitate to report any instances of abuse, harassment, or bullying at school. Make sure your child knows who the designated authorities are within the school that they can turn to for help. This might include teachers, school counselors, administrators, or trusted staff members.
Encourage your child to speak up if they witness or experience any form of mistreatment, and reassure them that their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly. If for some reason the school does not take proper action, there are other steps you can take.
A San Francisco County school sexual abuse lawyer explained that you can file a Title IX complaint against the school school district for an official investigation. You also have the option of hiring an attorney if the negligence has been ignored and want to pursue justice. Now, hopefully, going to these lengths will never be necessary, but it’s good to know in a worst-case scenario.
Supporting Academic Success
Establishing routines and setting clear expectations are essential for helping your child succeed academically in their new school. Create a structured daily schedule that includes dedicated time for homework and study, as well as time for relaxation and extracurricular activities. Set achievable goals for your child and celebrate their progress along the way.
Providing academic support as needed is also important. Offer assistance with homework or assignments if your child is struggling and stay in communication with their teachers to monitor their progress and address any concerns promptly. The school system and ways of learning may be vastly different in the new school than in the old one, so there is a chance your child might struggle to adjust. By prioritizing academic success and providing the necessary support, you’ll help your child feel more confident and capable in their new school environment.
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