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As the new school year approaches, many parents find themselves in the midst of preparation - buying supplies, setting up routines, and helping their children adjust to the changes ahead. Maybe September is bringing even bigger changes, such as moving to a new home or starting at a different school. Whether your child is entering a new year group, transitioning to a new school, or stepping into the next stage of their education, the new school year is both exciting and challenging.
Supporting your child through this transition can help them feel more confident, comfortable, and ready to embrace the new year. Below are some tips to help you and your child navigate these changes in a way that encourages growth, independence, and self-discovery.
Acknowledge the Challenges of Change
Change can be difficult, especially for children who may suffer with feelings of anxiety. Whether they’re moving to a new school because of a house move or transitioning to a middle or high school, it’s important to acknowledge that these changes can be stressful. Encourage your child to express their feelings and let them know that it’s okay to feel nervous or uncertain.
What You Can Do:
Start an open dialogue - Create a safe space for your child to talk about their concerns. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about the new school?” or “What would you like to know about your new school?”. These simple prompts will give them the space to share their feelings if they wish, however, try not to be disappointed or push too much if they choose not to open up just yet. They may need time to think it over and come back to you later.
Share your own experiences - Sometimes, sharing your own experiences with change - whether it’s a new job, a move, or a significant life transition - can help your child feel less alone in their feelings. By sharing these experiences you are showing them that change is a normal part of life and something everyone goes through.
Familiarise Them with Their New Environment
If your child is moving to a new school, one of the best ways to ease their anxiety is to familiarise them with their new environment before the first day. Knowing what to expect can help them feel more secure and less overwhelmed.
What You Can Do:
Visit the school - Many schools offer open evenings or taster days where your child can visit the school before term starts. This can help them feel more comfortable and confident on their first day.
Once They Start, Encourage Them to Get to Know Their Classmates
Building new friendships is a crucial part of transitioning to a new school or year group. While making friends can sometimes be daunting, especially in a new environment, there are a few things you can do to help your child feel more confident when meeting new people.
What You Can Do:
Join school activities - Encourage your child to join school clubs or sports teams or other after-school activities where they can meet people their own age. These activities provide natural opportunities to meet and bond with classmates who share similar interests, giving them a strong friendship group.
Role-play scenarios together - If your child is nervous about introducing themselves or starting conversations, practice role-playing different scenarios at home. This can help them feel more prepared and less anxious about social interactions.
Support Their Exploration of New Hobbies and Interests
A new school year is an excellent time for your child to explore new hobbies and interests. This not only helps them develop new skills but also contributes to their personal growth and self-discovery. We all know what it’s like to reinvent ourselves at a new job!
What You Can Do:
Explore after-school clubs - Encourage your child to try out different extracurricular activities, whether it’s joining a sports team, learning a musical instrument, participating in art or drama clubs, or something else. Giving them the freedom to explore various interests allows them to find what truly excites them.
Be supportive of their choices - Whatever activities your child chooses, show your support by attending their games, performances, or other shows that parents are invited to. Your enthusiasm will boost their confidence and reinforce their commitment to their new hobbies. It is important to note there is a fine line between being supportive and pressuring them to follow through with something they are no longer enjoying. This is where that open dialogue I mentioned earlier comes in.
Allow Your Child to Discover Who They Are
As children grow and enter new stages of their school career, they begin to develop their own identities. This journey of self-discovery is an essential part of their development, and it’s important to give them the space to explore who they are becoming.
What You Can Do:
Encourage independence - As your child grows, encourage them to make decisions about their interests, friendships, and activities. While your guidance is important, giving them autonomy helps them build confidence and a sense of responsibility. This is a very fine line to tread so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it 100% right all the time!
Celebrate their individuality - Every child is unique and their interests, personality, and values may evolve as they grow. Celebrate their individuality and encourage them to embrace what makes them special. This will also help your relationship blossom as they get older.
Establish a Routine
A consistent routine can provide a sense of stability during times of change. As your child adapts to a new school year, having a predictable schedule can help them feel more secure and focused.
What You Can Do:
Set a daily schedule - Leaving the chaos of the summer holidays behind can be hard, after all, most of us are familiar with the post-holiday blues! If possible, work with your child to establish a daily routine that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities, family time, and relaxation. This structure will help them manage their time effectively and reduce feelings of overwhelm. A good thing to note here is that structure can be brilliant but being too prescriptive may not work for every child so go with the flow when called for.
Create a calm morning routine - Mornings can set the tone for the day, so aim to create a calm and positive start. Alarms don’t always go off, things get lost, and sometimes kids don’t share that they need to take things with them until the last minute, so try to focus on what you can control! Prepare lunches, pack backpacks, and lay out clothes the night before to minimise stress in the morning.
Stay Involved and Connected
Finally, staying involved in your child’s school life is crucial, especially during a period of transition. Regular communication with your child and their teachers can help you stay informed about their progress and any challenges they may face.
What You Can Do:
Check in regularly - Make it a habit to check in with your child about their school day. Ask specific questions about their classes, friendships, and any difficulties they may be experiencing. Not only will this mean you are clued into what’s going on with their life and can see potential challenges before they arise, it will also help keep those lines of communication open AND show your child you’re interested in them.
Build a relationship with teachers - Keep an open line of communication with your child’s teachers as much as possible. Attend parent-teacher conferences and sign up to school newsletters to stay informed about your child’s academic and social development.
Supporting Your Child At School Can Help Them Thrive
Starting a new school year is a significant milestone, and it can be even more challenging if your child is moving to a new school or entering a new phase of their education. By providing emotional support, encouraging social connections, and fostering their exploration of new interests, you can help your child navigate this transition with confidence. And remember, you’re a human too so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get everything 100% right!
If you or your child need some support with the new school year, get in touch today.