Helping your child cope with changing schools mid-year

Moving, leaving friends, and changing grades or schools are difficult experiences for children, especially if these changes occur mid-year. Over time, your child will most likely settle into their new school. This may, however, take days, weeks or months.

The following 10 suggestions may help your child cope with school transitions:

1. Encourage your child to talk about the upcoming change. Make a list of your child’s worries and work together to find answers.
2. Helping your child to be part of planning, providing routine and preparing for differences in the schools beforehand are strategies that will help your child regain their sense of trust in the world and in you. Listen to your child’s opinions about what is essential to them if you have a choice of schools. Discuss the benefits and weaknesses of each school. Although the final decision is yours, it is critical that your child feels involved in the process.
3. Help your child become familiar with the new environment ahead of time. Visit the school together whenever possible.
4. Assure your child that it is normal to be nervous and concerned about not being accepted by others or understanding the logistics or academics of a new grade or school.
5. Be patient with your child, and remember that adjusting to change takes time. The first few days at a new school can be difficult. Your positive attitude and words of encouragement can help your child adjust.
6. Take your child to the school’s orientation, open house, and tour. Participate in the Parent-Teacher Organisation or the parent advisory board. Meet other parents, particularly the parents of your child’s classmates.
7. Encourage your child to voice their feelings. Even if a problem appears minor to you, remember that it could be a significant crisis for your child. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand the emotions communicated.
8. Assist your child in exploring coping strategies, and remain available for additional discussion. Prepare to work with them to address problems.
9. Encourage your child to participate in one or two extracurricular activities. After-school activities help children meet new friends and feel like they are part of a team.
10. If your child is still reluctant to go to school or appears to be genuinely miserable after a period of adjustment, get help. Determine your concerns and schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher and school counsellor. Work towards forming a trusting partnership with your child’s school and find a staff member that you can speak confidently with about your child and their needs.