How to help your child transition to another school

As it is often said, ‘the most constant thing in life is change’. As much as we love predictable routines for our kids and love to provide a sense of stability in their daily activities, sometimes, change is inevitable. You may

Transitioning from one school to another for any reason comes with unique challenges for a child, no matter their grade level. Whether you are relocating to another country, state, or a new area or your child is moving to a threshold class, they need help and support to settle into their new school as soon as possible. 

Here comes the challenge for many parents because they too may be navigating through the challenges that come with moving.

However, there are some simple things a parent can do to provide needed support for their children and help them adjust to a new school faster. Let’s discuss some of these tested and trusted tips below.

7 tips to help your child transition to another school

1.     Keep the communication lines with your child open

Moving is challenging for everyone but more especially for kids who are used to their friends and environment and may not understand the need to move.

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When you talk to your child and help them open up, you will know when they are finding it hard to cope and how to provide specific help for them. Ask your child how they are doing in their transition from time to time to know how they are feeling and how you can help.

Let your child know that you are in the situation together and share how you are dealing with the changes too. Assure them that they can always get your support and help at any time they need it.

2.     Be open about the reason you are moving

Let your child know why you are moving and why they would be changing schools. Even if your child is too young, explain to them in simple terms and in a way that they would understand.

Whether you are moving because you got a new job, got divorced, or want to change your child’s school to a more affordable one, make sure your kids know the real reason for the change.

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Kids deserve to get closure on their transition. Let them say their goodbyes to their old friends at school or in the community. You can organize a small get-together to that effect.

Be as positive as possible. Don’t scare your child into thinking that things are not going to be fine. Assure them that moving was the best decision for everyone and that things will even be better in their new school and the new location. Knowing this will help them to adjust faster in their new school.

3.     Keep some old routine

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One thing that can help a child to adjust to a new class or to a new environment is to get a sense of semblance of their old environment from the new one.

Again, kids thrive and find comfort in structure and familiarity. Keep old routines such as getting your child’s homework done in a certain area of the home. You may not have the exact view in your new place but a semblance or familiarity is all they need.

If you used to read stories to your child every night before they sleep, start doing that now again.

Knowing that some activities remain the same will help your child to quickly settle in the home and also help them cope better with the new challenges they face in their new school.

4.     Talk to other parents

Seek the opinion of parents who have had to help their child adjust to a new school.

Parents-Teachers association meetings are a good place to meet other parents and have an interchange of ideas.

Talking to people who understand exactly what you are going through can provide support, and can even help your child find other children who are new to the school and quickly make new friends.

5.     Prepare them for their new school

Start preparation for your child’s new school three-two weeks before they resume. Start with preparing them mentally for the challenges they may face such as having to meet new kids, new cultures, or even a new curriculum entirely.

If possible, talk to an authority in their new school and ask for permission to do a tour of their school with your child. Visit the school two weeks before resumption and show your child around.

Show them key areas like the toilets for pupils and where to find the school bus every day at the close of school. Knowing these simple things reduces the fear and anxiety your child may have about their new school and will help them adjust to their new school faster.

6.     Help your child engage in their hobbies

There are a lot of things that a parent can do at home that will help the kids find it easier to cope at their new school. For example, you can encourage and support your kids’ hobbies which will help them get the needed stability and relaxation to cope at school.

If your child has a favorite hobby such as gardening, drawing, hiking, or swimming, let them engage in them as often as possible while transitioning to another school. If they don’t have a favourite hubby encourage them to try some extracurricular activities that their school offers.

Practicing their favorite extracurricular activity will help your child find it easier to make friends at their new school.

7.     Encourage healthy habits for your child

Healthy habits such as having enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and food rich in vegetables and fruits, and staying active for most of the day are especially advisable when helping a child adjust to a new environment and a new school.

Children aged 6-11 are encouraged to have at least 11 hours of sleep daily. Help your child to reduce screen time especially before sleeping at night so they can have enough sleep. Don’t allow them to get involved in any exciting activity just before bedtime too. Keep their rooms dark and free of distractions at night.

8.     Help your kids make new friends

While you want your child to know that they can keep in touch with some of their old friends and call or message them from time-time, it is equally important they start making new friends in their new school.

Let them participate in community events and look for opportunities to help your child make new friends and connections not just in their new school but in the community.

You can enroll your child in swimming classes, sports, or even other activities that they are interested and that will help them meet kids who have similar interests.

9.     Give them support in their schoolwork work

More importantly, provide support for your child’s school work. So, for kids who are transitioning to new schools, their academics may be affected. Their new school may use a new curriculum different from what they are used to. They may also struggle to understand their new teachers and find the school work a lot more than they are used to.

Here is where your child needs your support when changing schools. Help them to see to it that they understand their work and get their homework done and if they need further support, you may have to get a home tutor.