Preparing children mentally before moving to a new school

There are times when you have to move your child to a new school for various reasons. For example, you are transferred, you have to study outside the city, and so on. Moving schools without realizing it can be unpleasant for a child.

What's more, at an early age, children are forming relationships and already have friends they really care about. The feeling of this sad and anxious child is normal. As a parent, there are several things you can do to prepare your child to move to a new school.

1. Notify child immediately

Once you have confirmed your plans for moving, let your child know as soon as possible. Give your child time to mentally prepare for the move. You can invite your child to do the things you want before changing schools.

For example, inviting his friends to play at home or on vacation with his close friends.

2. Understand the child's feelings

Ask your child how he feels about the move. Have your child talk heart-to-heart about the sadness, worries, and fears they have about moving to a new school. Help your child to get rid of the things he worries about.

If the child feels heavy leaving his friends, say that he can still be friends through the existing communication media. Provide alternatives to solve the problem that the child is worried about. Don't just promise, "You'll also make new friends at the new school."

3. Look for the bright side

You need to be enthusiastic about the move yourself so that the child doesn't get lost in sadness. Show the positive things that can be obtained from this move. Starting from a new school atmosphere, new friends and teachers, new activities that are interesting, and others.

In addition to introducing things related to school, also show the area or city that will be occupied. Show places that can be visited on weekends and other interesting things.

4. Involve the child in determining a new school

Nowadays it is very easy to find information about schools in the destination through cyberspace. Make a list of schools in the destination area and show them to the children. Highlight interesting things that can be found from these schools. For example, extracurricular choices, the achievements of the school, the learning area and environment, and so on.

If the child is old enough, talk about the positives and negatives of each school. If possible, invite the child to visit their new school before actually deciding which school they want.

5. Make friends with other new kids

Sometimes, at a new school, your little one has some other children who have just moved. Find out if there are other new kids at the school. If possible, arrange a time to arrive at school at the same time as the child on the first day of school. Encourage your child to talk and make new friends. By finding friends with the same fate, children will feel more excited.

Try to accompany the child or shuttle the child in the first few days of school. Ask the child to talk about the day after school.

When discussing plans to change schools, provide opportunities for children to vent their feelings. Let the child feel worries and overcome them. With your support, your child will be better prepared for the new school.

Basically, the child is more adaptable than the adult. After a few days, your child will find his world again.

x