Think about how you felt when you started school, or when your family moved and you had to change school. You were probably nervous and scared, thinking you would miss your friends. Your child might be scared too – they do not necessarily have to be scared and worried about moving to a new school.
So what can you do as a parent to help make them feel less anxious, scared, and worried? Here are some ideas you can try out:
1. Do not dismiss their fear
It is typical of every child to be scared of starting at a new school. They may be worried about missing their old friends, not fitting in, and being alone. It is been advised that it is crucial to pay attention to your children’s fears and address them with empathy and understanding. Moving to a new school is a huge step for a kid, maybe not for you. They spend most of their active days in school which means it is important for them to be in a learning environment where they feel at home.
2. Visit the School with your Children
We all find it difficult to adjust to change, and as for kids, they need help from you the parent. Help them face what they fear – which is the new school. If children are having difficulty adjusting to the thought of starting a new school, they may benefit from paying a visit to the school with your child. Take a tour around the school, show them their classrooms, the playground, cafeteria, toilet, and the likes.
If you are opportune to meet the teacher, that is a plus for you as the teacher can talk to the kid and let them feel welcome. By visiting the new school, you’re helping your child to be prepared. By being familiar with the layout of their school, they’ll be less likely to get lost, thus making their first day more comfortable.
3. Point out the positive features of the new school
What are the amazing features of the school? Does it have a bigger football pitch, a swimming pool, a long list of the lunch menus, or perhaps free snacks in class. By looking for the positive aspects, you can show your children that moving to a new school may be fun for them in certain ways. These positive aspects will give them something to look forward to as they start anew. Carry out your search during the visitation and wow your kids with the new fun features they are to enjoy in the new school.
4. Involve your Children in School Preparation Process
Kids love it when their opinions matter. This will help them look forward to the new school with less fear. Involve them in picking up supplies for the new school. Let them select the bags they want, stationery, lunchbox, socks, and school shoes. They can also help you think of new breakfast ideas or favorite foods they want for lunch and after-school snacks.
5. Remind them of previous fear they overcame
Remember to point out certain challenges they have overcome in their lives. They will be more confident in the new transition when they remember what they’ve overcome. For example, did your children move to a different neighborhood several years ago? Did they successfully join a new after-school program like dance lessons or sports?
A new school can be an intimidating place for children at first, but you can help. You can be instrumental in giving your kids a great start as they transition to their new school.
