Going to a New School: Helping Children Adapt

Starting a new school can be very
frightening for a child, particularly if the child is introverted or shy. Here
are a few tips to help ease the transition:

1. If the new school offers an orientation, plan to attend
   with your child. For elementary age children, it is also might a good idea
   to arrange a meeting with the child’s teacher before she begins school.
   The teacher can tell your child a little about her class, and answer any
   of her questions.
2. Discuss any fears that your child may have about a new
   school. Help to calm her fears by either giving her more information, or
   explaining to her why her worst fears are unlikely to be realized. 
3. Practice social skills with your child. Demonstrate how
   to introduce herself to new people, and then let her practice. Show her
   how she can start a conversation with a peer by making a positive comment
   about something the peer does or says.
4. Visit the school’s website, or get a brochure with
   information on extracurricular activities. Go through these materials with
   your child and see what piques her interest.
5. Remind your child how he has successfully started other
   “new” things without knowing people, perhaps it was his last school, a
   summer camp or a scout troop.
6. Create a consistent routine during the first several weeks
   of school. This gives your child a sense of stability during the
   adjustment phase.
7. Welcome new friends into your home and encourage your
   child to invite classmates for play dates.
8. Get involved with the new school yourself. 
   Volunteer to be the teacher’s helper, go on field trips, or join the PTA.
   It will make your child feel more at home to see you involved at the
   school. In addition, you will be better informed when your child talks to
   you about what is happening at school.