How To Make Your Child’s School Transition Go Smoothly

As a parent, you probably like structure in your child’s life, which is why you do your best to provide stability and routine. But, no matter how hard you try, change happens. And, one of the big changes in your child’s life is changing schools. Below, we’ve outlined some handy tips to help smooth the way for the big change.

1. Keep things positive

See to it that your child has a positive attitude about the change by maintaining your own positive attitude. When they feel that you’re worried, they will be too. Encourage your child to discuss their expectations and fears. You have to reassure them that they’re going to be just fine.

2. Let them know you support them

Knowing that you support them in every step of the way is highly reassuring to a child. While you won’t be sitting beside them in class, you will be there to pick them up each day and you may even consider volunteering at the school to help your child adjust.

3. Encourage your child to get involved

Get your child to join school activities as this could help ease their worries and help them adjust to the new school. Don’t force them to do it but do encourage class and activity participation as a way of gaining new friends and helping them integrate into their new school.

Check out www.panyaden.ac.th to see the activities your child could get involved in.

4. Don’t forget to sleep

More studies show that getting a good night’s sleep is critical for healthy and well-adjusted children. Getting good sleep before starting a new school is important. To make the transition as easy as possible, start your child’s new school sleep routine a few weeks before the new term starts.

5. Keep going over their first day

Figure things out ahead of time and do not wait for the very first day of school. It’s the unknown that is most frightening.

Before the first day of school, doing a trial run would be a good idea. Walk them to the bus stop or walk them to school on the route they will take. Also, find out if you can take them to the school before classes start to see their classroom and make sure you are present during meetings, so they can meet their teachers and classmates.

6. Send them to school prepared

Most schools will give you a list of the materials and supplies your child needs beforehand. Arriving on the first day of school with the right things helps keep your child from feeling lost or left out. This is especially so for younger children who are sensitive to such things. Make sure they have lunch money or lunch and all the materials they need.

7. Don’t rush

The morning of their first day at a new school can end up being rushed. To avoid the rush, it is best to prepare everything you need the night before. Lay out clothes, make lunch, and make sure backpacks are packed and organised. Planning beforehand lets them get a good night’s sleep and go to school on time without having to rush.

Finally, even if they are taking the bus to their new school, you may want to take them on the first day and introduce them to their new teacher and find their way around. This can go a long way to easing the big change.