Back-to-school time is stressful for most kids—even when they’re returning to the same school to learn alongside classmates with whom they’re already well acquainted. But when kids are making the transition to a different school, the adjustment is much more significant and their anxiety level can really kick into high gear.
While a certain amount of newschool nervousness is unavoidable, there are steps parents can take to prevent their child’s fears from spiraling out of control as they transition into their new learning environment. They include:
Recognize that familiarity breeds comfort
Fear of the unknown underlies most cases of new-school jitters. Before the start of the school year, drive the route to and from school a few times. If the school offers an open house or orientation day, take advantage of it so your child has a chance to meet the new teacher and become familiar with the classroom and school environment.
Kids often worry most about the “little things,” such as going to the restroom during school hours or whether they’ll have difficulty opening their new locker. As you tour the school, make sure he or she gets a chance to see the restroom, lunchroom, playground, gym, and other areas that will be utilized during the school day. If your child will be assigned a locker, have him or her practice locking and unlocking it several times. In general, try to find out what a typical day’s schedule will be like and share that information with your child.
Explain that everyone else is nervous, too Point out that even though most of the other kids will be returning to familiar surroundings, they’ll still be nervous about having a new teacher, new academic demands, and possibly new or changing interpersonal relationships. Even teachers have “butterflies” on their first day in front of a new class.
Connect with other kids
It’s very likely that other kids in your neighborhood will be attending the same school—and potentially in the same class—as your child. Try to arrange a meeting or play date with one or more of them so there will be some friendly faces in the crowd on the first day and potentially someone with whom he or she can walk to school or ride the bus.
Getting involved in fall sports is a great way for your child to meet and form friendships with new classmates.
Enlist an older sibling’s aid If your child has an older brother or sister who is already familiar with the new school, request that he or she serve as a resource and helping hand for at least the first few days of school while your younger child gets settled in.
Do your part to promote a smooth transition
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure your child gets to school in a timely manner each morning, is clothed in compliance with any established dress code, and is otherwise properly equipped with all the supplies he or she needs for school success.
Most important, be sure to provide a listening ear to your young student, especially early in the school year. Reassure your child that you’ll be there throughout this challenging transition to provide support and help find solutions. ✲
