When you’re a kid, changing schools can be exciting, scary, fun, and boring all at the same time. These emotions and feelings can very much overlap and cross into each other, and you’re left with one very big bottle of nervous tension in your chest.
And trying to explain that to a grown up is just more complicated to do than it’s really worth!
That’s why so many kids go through a hard time changing schools. It’s not just the act of changing school itself – it’s the background of the transition, as well as feelings of being unheard and misunderstood.
But as their parent, there’s a lot you can do to help them navigate a change like this. Lots of kids have to change schools at some point or another, but it doesn’t automatically mean they’re going to have a horrible time.
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Let Them Talk About Their Fears
Kids have fears, no matter how hard they try to hide them! They might think it makes them less cool or makes them look ‘weird’ in front of friends and family, but those fears are there.
And when it comes to a life change like going to a new school, those fears are more likely to come out. They might present in various different ways, like being more moody, quiet, or withdrawn.
They also might make you think the opposite, which is often the case when your child suddenly becomes a lot more energetic and outgoing than usual.
Either way, sit them down and let them know it’s OK to feel negative things about a new school. Let them know you’re here for them if they need to have a chat, and that you’re the one person they don’t have to try and hide anything from.
Seek Out Special Needs Support
If your child has special needs, you can contact their new school directly and let them know this.
There should be someone there who can help both you and your child to get used to the new school environment, including class times, break times, and what they can do if they’re feeling overwhelmed.
This is also your chance to ask for something like specific autism support, if your child has been previously diagnosed. You should be able to put together an education plan with the help of the school, to ensure your child gets proper, targeted support with adjusting to daily school life.
This also means schooling is likely to feel more fair for them, as they won’t have to try and muddle their way through entirely on their own.
You can also ask for support with autism outside of school as well. For example, you can contact a therapist who specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions, and get them to weigh in on what could be good for your child right now.
Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Trouble
If your child has been at their new school for a few days or a couple of weeks, it’s time to check in with them. And when you do, be on the lookout for signs of trouble.
These commonly include things like not wanting to talk about school, or being evasive when you ask what their lessons are like or if they’ve made any new friends.
If you spot signs like these, it’s OK to bring them up – even when your child doesn’t seem to want to talk.
Take time with this talk. You don’t want to push your child into talking about troubles they might be having, but you do want them to be aware that you know the struggle.
Changing Schools is Rarely Easy
That’s the key thing to remember here. You’re an adult, and a parent, and what you say goes. When you’re a kid – whether a toddler or a teen – you have to learn to deal with the decisions made around you.
And when it comes to trying to adapt to a new school, you can often feel left out of the conversation.
But you can make your child feel more included by helping them to transition as smoothly as possible. They might have left behind friends, favorite teachers, and a school setting they really liked. Now they’re adjusting to a new school where none of this is around them.
Going the extra mile will help them to stay calm and focused on the positives. So use the tips above to support them at a time like this; it really will make a difference!
