A new school can be an overwhelming prospect for any child. Even the most confident student can feel worried, anxious and nervous at the prospect. However, the good news is that the majority of children settle quite quickly after a change of school. Some take a little longer but there are ways to support them.
How to help your child settle
Part of the biggest concerns for most children is simple fear of the unknown. The idea of a new building is worrisome, children worry about getting lost or looking silly if they need to ask for directions.
Make sure your child gets more than one opportunity to visit their new school. An official guided tour is a great idea and many schools will also offer a half-day of attendance so that your child gets a gradual introduction.
Making new friends
This is one of the biggest concerns for children and parents alike. It’s especially worrying if the child doesn’t already know a few of the other children. If your child is facing a new school without knowing anyone, here are some good tips for them:
- Try not to make assumptions – you don’t know someone until you know them
- Join clubs – the drama or debating club could be just the place to make new friends
- Speak to people – start conversations or just say hi, it’s important to take an active part in making new friends
Make sure your child knows that they are welcome to invite any new friends they make back home. This will give you an opportunity to meet their new friends and also deepen the new connections.
Most children take a term or two to settle down but if your child is struggling after a few terms, it’s best to address it with their teacher. There are plenty of options for support available such as peer-support programmes where children who are particularly sociable and friendly will be tasked with helping others to fit in.
A school with a good peer-support system like this prep school in Liverpool will take pains to assist children to fit in as swiftly as possible.
This is a collaborative post.