As parents, we try to structure our child’s life in such a way as to provide predictable routines and minimize difficult changes. However, change does occur and sometimes is a great thing for your family. One of these situations can be a move, which also means that your child will change schools. The first days and weeks of a new school can be exciting, but they can also be filled with uncertainty and anxiety. The following tips and strategies will help your child quickly adapt to her new school.
Stay positive
There is nothing that will help your child maintain a positive attitude toward their new school more than your own positive attitude. It’s important to discuss your child’s fears and expectations but reassure them they’re going to have great year.
Go through their first day ahead of time
The unknown is what scares students the most about their first day of school, so don’t wait until the first day of school to figure everything out. Sometime before the first day, take your child on a trial run. Walk them to their bus stop. If they’re going walk to school each day, walk to the school with them using the route you’ve decided on. If possible, take your child to her school ahead of time and help her find her classroom. Taking your child on a trial run of their first day will help make her first day of school less daunting.
Don’t get rushed
The morning of the first day of school can often end up being a madhouse, especially if you have more than one kid to get ready. In order to avoid the morning rush, get everything ready the night before. Make sure supplies are organized and in backpacks, lunches are made, clothes are laid out, and your child has her plan in place for her first day of school. Planning the night before will allow your child to get plenty of sleep, get out the door on time and not feel any additional anxiety.
Change can be good. These tips can help your child start a new experience on the right foot.
