Moving to a new location can be exciting and scary for kids. Ensuring your child gets the support they need to protect their mental health after a move is important, as starting at a fresh school can cause feelings of anxiety in children. In fact, divorce and death are the only things more stressful than a move. By following these tips, you can take some of the stress out of starting a new school for your child.
1. Talk About It
Sharing information with your child about the school, showing them pictures of the school, and talking about some things the school offers will help. One of the biggest fears most children share is the fear of the unknown.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 31 million people relocated in 2019. That equates to about 9.8% of the American population. A lot of people move, and a lot of people have children that have to start at a new school.
Studies indicate that parents that talk about the move with their children and prepare them for the transition report their children adjust well to the school. Putting a positive spin on the move will help reduce mental health upsets. Children are highly intuitive; if you are feeling negative about the move, your child will pick up on that, and it will cause them to feel negative about it, too.
2. Give Your Child Some Control Over the Situation
Letting your child make age-appropriate decisions is a good way to help them transition. For example, if there are school choices to make, allow them to tour each school and decide which one they want to attend.
In most cases, this scenario applies to private schools. Many parents choose private school settings for their children. If that is the case, and there is more than one private school to choose from, let them make a choice. About 60% to 80% of teachers at private schools have advanced degrees, which is good news because it is hard to make a bad choice when it comes to private schools!
Giving your child some control over where they will attend school is a good way to get them more involved and reduce mental health stress. Make them part of the decision-making process.
3. Visit the New School Together Before They Start
Take a tour of the school to help your child get familiar with the layout. Show them where the cafeteria, lockers, gym, and classroom are. Let them meet their teacher before entering class on their first day. You must also visit the school before the start date to share any important health information about allergies and other concerns.
You must have all your child’s documents in order before they start school to ensure that the school is aware of any health concerns like asthma, allergies, and special accommodations. Visiting the school before your child starts will ensure that the information that needs to be conveyed is conveyed. Touring also helps familiarize your child with the school’s layout and reduces feelings of anxiety.
If you can get involved in your child’s school, you should. If you have the time to volunteer at the school, it will help your child to adjust quickly to the new environment. You should also enroll your child in any extracurricular activities the school offers. It will help them to make friends outside their classroom.
Moving can be hard for both adults and children. However, children have less control over the situation. The move may be a little harder on them. With a little help, your child will adjust in no time to their new school.