Being the new kid in school can be scary. Not knowing what to expect an make it even scarier; therefore, parents should do everything they can to prepare their children for the new situation. Here are a few things parents can do.
Talk to Kids
Talking to kids about their fears, hopes and expectations can help parents clarify what areas they need to focus on. Understandably, many children will grieve the loss of friends. Parents can be supportive by helping to brainstorm ways kids can stay in touch with old friends as well as thinking of ways the child can make new ones. Children can also be worried about something as simple as bathroom routines. Once a parent knows this, she can plan a tour of the school pointing out the bathroom route and even talking to a staff member about common routines. This will reassure the child before school starts.
Visiting the School Beforehand
Setting up a time to tour the school helps to alleviate many fears and also creates excitement about the new school situation as well as familiarity with the school building. ("They have a state of the art science lab, cool!") Try to have the child meet his new teacher and if possible spend the day with her new classmates. This will give the child familiarity with her classmates and generate interest in the other students about your child. The child will most often end up feeling like a celebrity for the day and eager to start.
Make Connections Before School Starts
Making connections with other students and families that attend the school before school starts, will help your child to feel more comfortable. Seeking out other school families in the neighbourhood will build relationships and they will be able to give helpful information about the school. Summer day-camps or sports camps that are held at the school or in the area offer a venue where kids are likely to meet some of their future classmates before school starts.
Starting School Off Proactively
As a parent, take the first step in building connections with your child's teachers. Check in often at first to make sure your child is adjusting well to the new situation. As well, try to meet other parents during the pickup/drop off times and don't wait for others to make the first step in arranging play dates. First impressions do count and are often what will be remembered regarding both child and parent behaviour. Encouraging your child to join teams and clubs will expose them to a variety of kids who could end up being potential friends.
While being the new kid at school has the potential to be a traumatic event, taking steps to prepare kids for the new school can ensure it is as positive an experience as it can be.
Lisa Loewen - Lisa Loewen is a writer and educator living in the area of Vancouver, B.C. She has a B.A with a major in History with a focus on Canadian ...
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