As the school year has just begun and most schools are now offering in person classes, children are faced with several changes. Many have found themselves in new schools, new routines, and different environments than they are used to. It is common for children to switch schools and experience these educational and environmental shifts. With these changes, comes a variety of feelings and emotions such as: excitement, sadness, anxiety, and curiosity. It is important as part of a child’s support system to be attuned to the emotions they are feeling as well as being open and honest with them. You may be wondering, “I know transitions can be difficult and a new school has so many, what can I do to help my child?” Below are some helpful tips to not only hold space for your child’s feelings, but also help them adjust to their new school!
Before the school week begins:
The first few weeks of a new school can be intimating for children. What will my teacher be like? Will I have friends? Where will I sit at lunch? These are a few worries that may be running through kids heads as they adjust to their new school. Holding space for our children’s emotions and acknowledging what they are feeling demonstrates that they are cared for and loved. When we verbalize to children that we accept their emotions they can feel understood and empowered (Wallace, 2017). Here are two ways to help show kids that we are here for them during these transitions:
- Set aside time to either talk with your child about their worries or have them draw what they are worried about. This gives the child a chance to express the thoughts they have been thinking and get your support.
- Have your child draw a picture of what they hope school will look like. This gives you the opportunity to be curious and understand your child’s hopes for their year.
Support during school:
Even though we cannot be in school with our child to support them through the ups and downs of their day. There are a few things we can do to help set them up to feel supported and included.
- Connecting with your child’s teacher and building a relationship with them can be a huge help, so that your child can feel more comfortable knowing who they are. Research has demonstrated that strong teacher-child relationships is associated with positive school adaptation for elementary aged students (Baker, 2006). Therefore, assisting your child in building this relationship can help ease the transition process.
- Find extracurriculars for your child to be a part of! This can help them meet new friends and build relationships with other peers in their class/grade. Most schools have their after school activity lists on their website!
Even though starting a new school can be stressful for kids and parents alike, it is also filled with exciting new opportunities for growth and adventure. Hopefully these tips and tricks are helpful in making this adjustment as smooth as possible for your family!
Written by: Samantha Renner is an intern at The Heart Leaf Center, working towards her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, parents, and families to address varying concerns, including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and school/home behavioral issues. Samantha@heartleafcenter.org
References
Baker, J. A. (2006). Contributions of teacher–child relationships to positive school adjustment during elementary school. Journal of School Psychology, 44(3), 211–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2006.02.002
Wallace, M. (2017, May 19). Acknowledging children’s emotions. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-raise-happy-cooperative-child/201705/acknowledging-childrens-emotions.