5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a New School
Is your family moving? Uprooting your life and going to a new area is an adventure. The new settings can bring fun opportunities and experiences. But for kids, moving to a new town is stressful. A new town means a new school, something most kids dread. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make this transition easier for your child.
I’m New Jersey school assembly presenter Michael Kirschner. For the last 10+ years, I’ve presented amazing and fun anti-bullying school assemblies and science assemblies to schools in New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and other areas. Each month I write articles designed to help busy parents and school administrators.
Moving to a new school is tough on kids. Let’s explore some ways to make the experience smoother…
Prepare Your Child for a New School Tip #1: Talk It Out
Kids and adults are more alike than many of us think. Like adults, they have fears. And just like adults, many kids don’t open up and talk about their feelings. How has the transition to the new town going? Has your child complained, yelled, or accused you of “ruining their life?” All of these responses are normal.
Let your child feel their feelings. Take opportunities when they are calmer to talk through their feelings. Encourage them to open up and talk through what they are worried about. Is it finding their way in a new school? Making friends? Feeling like everyone will be judging them? Talk it out. And reassure them you’re going to help them get through the experience.
Prepare Your Child for a New School Tip #2: Visit the School
Part of your child’s fear is of the unknown. Finding their way through a brand-new school building can be intimidating. But there’s a way to reduce that fear. Call the new school and set up a visit. Bring your child to the school and take a tour.
Explore all the areas your child will need to know. Check out the gym, library, cafeteria, and even their classroom if you know which one it will be. Most schools are happy to offer tours like this. Be sure to encourage your child to ask plenty of questions. They may even want to take notes to help them remember.
Prepare Your Child for a New School Tip #3: Connect with Area Parents
Are you lucky enough to be moving to your new area during the summer break? If so, you may have time to meet other area parents. Look up your child’s new school online. Find the PTA/PTO page. You just might be able to reach out to parents in your area. Invite them to your house.
Your fellow parents’ kids and your child may have a chance to get to know each other before school starts. If your child connects with these kids, they may have a few familiar faces to look for on those awkward first few days. Realize that you can’t force your child into new friendships. But with any luck, these new faces will be enough to help your child.
Prepare Your Child for a New School Tip #4: Practice the Trip to School
Is your child walking to school? If so, take them on a walk to the new school. Many young children’s biggest fear is getting lost. By taking a trip with your child to the new school, they have a chance to build up familiarity with the route.
After taking the trip with your child a few times, have them try it out themselves. While you’re at it, be sure to scope out the route for dangerous neighborhoods or busy intersections they must cross.
Prepare Your Child for a New School Tip #5: Be Prepared
Your child will need plenty of supplies when the new school year starts. Contact the school ahead of time to find out what they will need. Have everything organized a few days before the first day. If you’re shopping for new clothes, bring your child with you. Let them have input on what they wear. Clothes are one of the ways kids judge each other. Making sure your child is comfortable with what they are wearing will help them feel better those first few crucial days.
The Perfect School Assembly for the New School Year
My “Abracabully” anti-bullying school assembly program is the perfect way to start the new school year. This program teaches simply bully prevention lessons, what to do if kids encounter a bullying situation, and much more. Using magic, audience participation, storytelling, and kid-friendly humor, I guarantee your school’s students and school faculty will be thrilled. Contact me today for more details.