5 ways to help your child transition smoothly to a new school.
Children need stability to feel safe. Going to school for the first time or changing schools can cause anxiety. As parents, we aim to help our children feel secure and calm. Here are five things you can do:
- Before the child’s first day at school, visiting the school together if possible is recommended. Take some time to explore the grounds, including the classrooms, playground, and games.
- Before school starts, inform your child of at least one staff member they can go to for help. You can visit the school and talk to the principal, secretary, or teachers to express your concerns and get recommendations for someone your child can turn to when needed.
- Connect your child with another student who will attend the same school. This way, they can go together on the first day and have someone familiar to hang out and play with in the schoolyard, which can be comforting. They will also have the opportunity to make new friends.
- Remind your child of a previous experience where they overcame fear and succeeded in a new hobby or activity, to show that they have the potential to succeed again.
- Talk to him about his thoughts and feelings. Reassure him that it is normal to feel this way when going to a new environment, regardless of age. Share your own childhood experiences or adult anxieties about starting a new job.
All the above suggestions will not eliminate a child’s worries, but they will certainly help the child feel more secure and adapt faster. Cooperation and communication between family and school are key to dealing with any difficulties the child may face in a timely and effective manner.