Moving to a new home in an unfamiliar place can be both exciting and challenging, especially for children.
It’s true and among the many adjustments that come with a move, one of the most crucial is helping your child settle into a new school. Yes, the transition may seem daunting, but with some thoughtful strategies and a lot of love, you can make the journey smoother for your little one. Here are some tips to help your child adjust to a new school after moving to a new place.
Start a conversation
Let’s begin with an easy one. To ease the transition simply start a conversation with your child. Talk about the move, the new school, and the changes that have already occurred and that they might experience. Be sure to listen to their concerns and validate their feelings. Having an open and honest conversation will help them feel understood and supported, making it easier for them to cope with the changes.
Take some time to explore before school begins
Before the first day of school, take some time to explore your new community and the school with your child. Take a walk, visit points of interest, and even visit the school if possible. Familiarizing your child with their new surroundings will reduce the anxiety of the unknown and make them more comfortable when the big day arrives.
Keep a routine
Whether they realize it or not, most children thrive on routines. It provides a sense of stability in times of change. Even though everything may feel different, try to keep up with the normal routine as much as possible. This could include regular mealtimes, bedtime routine, and family activities. A consistent routine will help your child feel secure and grounded amidst all the newness.
Get involved
One of the best ways to help your child adjust to a new school is to get involved in their education. Attend parent-teacher meetings, school events, and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Showing your child that you are invested in their school life will reassure them that you’re there to support their journey.
Encourage extracurricular activities
Another way to help your child adjust to a new school in a new places is to encourage extracurricular activities. Not only is it a great way for your child to explore their interests, but extracurriculars are also an avenue to make new friends. Encourage your child to join clubs, sports teams, or art classes that align with their interests as these activities provide a common ground for friendships to develop.
Be patient
Adjusting to changes takes time. While some kids may feel right at home in their new community and school right away, it might take others weeks or even months. And that’s okay. Be patient and understanding throughout the process.
Celebrate the wins
If your child makes a new friend – celebrate. If they ace a test – congratulate them with all the gusto. If they participate in a school event – be their biggest cheerleader. Acknowledging and celebrating your child’s wins will very likely boost their confidence and help them realize that good stuff can happen in a new place.
Allow them to maintain connections with old friends
Maintaining connections with old friends can provide comfort after a move. Be sure to let your child to stay in touch through calls, Facetime, or snail mail. Knowing that they have a network of familiar faces can ease the feeling of being uprooted.
Set a good example
Lastly, show your child how to embrace change and new experiences by leading by example. What’s more, try to keep a positive attitude about the move and the new opportunities it brings. When your child sees your optimism, they are more likely to approach the situation with a similar outlook.
A final word on adjusting after a move
We hope you have found these tips helpful and just want to encourage parents not to forget to take care of themselves during the moving process and give themselves time and space to adjust to their new home. And if you’ve just started planning for an upcoming move, don’t forget to reach out to Changing Spaces Moving, Inc.! Our locally owned and family-operated moving company has been providing residential moving services in the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros since 2003; we specialize in local, intrastate, and interstate moving and would love the chance to help your family during this exciting time!
