While a new home can be very exciting for you, children may be less enthused because they were comfortable in their old neighborhood. For children, a new home means making new friends and potentially having to go to a new school. Being the “new kid” at school can be nerve wracking, so here are four tips to help your child adjust to a new school!
Stay Positive
One of the best things you can do when your child is uneasy is to stay positive no matter what. Even if you are uneasy about this transition yourself, you don’t want that to show.
Your positivity is going to make your child feel more comfortable and less worried. It is good to discuss your child’s concerns and fears, but be sure to offer plenty of support and reassurance that they will adjust.
Get Your Child Involved
A great way to get your child adjusted more quickly is to get them involved in extracurricular activities. Let your child tell you what programs they are interested in and help them sign up.
Whether they want to play a sport or become a part of the theater club, getting involved at school is a great way to help your child feel more connected and not like an outsider. Studies show that students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to do better academically.
Mental Preparation
It is a good idea to go over what the first day of school will be like so that your child knows what to expect. If they are going to be taking the bus, walk or drive them to the bus stop ahead of time so that they know where to go.
Be sure to attend back-to-school night so that your child can walk around the school and locate their classes before the first day.
This trial run can really help to ease your child’s mind because they have now been acquainted with their school rather than having no idea what to expect. If you are able to, take your child to school on the first day so that they have additional support the entire way there.
Do Not Rush
The morning of the first day of school can be pretty hectic because nobody has gotten used to the routine yet. A great way to make the first day less stressful is to prepare and organize all supplies ahead of time.
Have your child get their binders, notebooks, and backpack ready the night before school. This way, all they have to worry about in the morning is getting dressed, eating a healthy breakfast, and going to school.
Rushing to make it to school on time on the very first day can cause a lot of additional and unnecessary anxiety.
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