4 Great ways – helping your child settle into a new school- If your child has just moved to a new school and is having a tough time settling in, it may take them a while to adjust. It may be the new pace of life. For children just starting school it can be difficult to spend time away from family, especially for prolonged periods of time. For older children it may be the new routine and subjects that they’re now expected to take part in.
This is perfectly normal and what’s important is that you speak to your child to see how they are feeling. Provide reassurance that everything will be okay – that they will fit right in and have fun at their new school. To make this a smooth transition, we have some tips from an experienced school mentor below.
1, New School Routine
Routine is so important for children as it provides a constant and sense of security. When things are changing within their lives, there’s disruption. Having the same routine can help maintain some calm within their lives and make the transition easier.
2, New School Role Play
If your child’s having trouble making friends, they may need your help understanding what to do and how to approach others. You can do this through role play.
3, New School Confidence
The point above leads us nicely on to confidence. Confidence is definitely needed for them to put themselves out there and make friends. Role play can help as well as positive reinforcement from yourself. Remind your child that they will do just fine and that all the other children that they will meet are in the exact same boat. They will also feel shy but will be keen to make new friends just as they are. This can take the awkwardness and fear out of starting at a new school.
4, New School Set the Alarms in Advance
Schools can differ with regards to their start and end time but are usually roughly the same. Before your child starts school, make sure to plan their morning routine accordingly so that you both have enough time to get ready and out of the door for school. It’s a good idea to set their alarms for that particular time at least a week in advance so that they can get used to waking up so early and kick up less of a fuss.
*Collaborative post