Help with kids starting at a new school?

Question

I have 2 boys, age 14 and 10 they will be starting a new school in the fall, we are moving a couple towns away. Any advice on how to help them make a smooth transition? How did you children handle it? Would you do anything different?

Answer 1

I had to change schools in 3rd grade. the school i was going to was a private one and it had been open for only one year. i was VERY nervous. i would recommend walking them through how to get to their classrooms before the meet and greet (call the school office) and then have them guide you to it on the meet and greet day as a way to test them. on the meet and greet day, talk to the teacher. ask what a normal schedule is like, how many other kids are in the class, how many are boys, etc etc. encourage your kids to mingle a little bit on this day, and (if the school has one, i'm assuming it does) have them play on the playground for a while to get used to recess, the other kids, and the general mood/attitude of the other kids/school.

take a short tour of the school. things to make sure to see are the gym, library, art room, music room, cafeteria, nurse's office, and bathrooms. this is going to make them feel like less of a "new kid". it is hard enough to be new, but being new and having to ask for directions just plain sucks.

finally, don't underestimate your kids. kids are naturally accepting and ready to adjust. give them a little bit of time, and everything will be fine.

Answer 2

Get involved with the PTA theres always kids whos mom or father is in there ask the school if yu and your kids could walk around the schools or school then get them involed with sports or afterschool programs thats always good goood luck to your kids hope this helps :)

Answer 3

u should have your kids do some camps or something so they can meet some friends before school starts

Answer 4

I went to three different schools in 5th grade.

It was not the easiest, considering I moved from Virginia to New Jersey, and then a different part of NJ.

GET INVOLVED. It depends on their personality, though. It's so important to make them get involved. Find a club or activity they like - that way they'll make friends doing what they enjoy.

Make sure they keep in contact with their old friends, too. It's nice to have a good balance of friendships.

Again, they have to open up to meet new kids as well.

When the school year starts, it would be great to remind them to open up, and get involved.

Answer 5

We spent last year in another state for my husband's job and just returned home this summer.  My kids had a tough time of it and I would definitly let them keep in contact with their current friends....it will keep them grounded so their entire world isn't so upside down.  I would also recommend after school activities.  Sports or scouting or something where they are interacting with the new school kids in a social way but not during school hours.   It helped my kids a lot when they started elementary school.  My daughter's girl scout troop was fantastic.  She was walking around school after one month and knew so many people she wouldn't have otherwise.  Plus, I made friends with all the other moms too.  Find what activities they enjoy the most and make sure they have access to it.  Boredom is not a good thing when kids are in a transition like that.  Good luck!  It's just as hard on the parents as it is on the kids I think.  We worry so much.....

Answer 6

i had to change schools 2 years ago.

it was really hard, especially since im really shy.

but what kinda helped was the fact that i wasnt really aloud to talk to my old friends. it forced me even more to have to make new ones and that made me feel more comfortable with friends around. im not saying dont let them talk to thier old friends but maybe keep a limit on it.