Changing schools is a difficult stage in a child’s life. After losing all his bearings, he finds himself immersed in a new world. Here are our tips for best support.
Back to school can be a very stressful time for parents and children alike. Especially if a change has disrupted your daily life, such as a move or a change of school. This announcement may be difficult for a child to accept. Indeed, for the latter, the little world he had built is collapsing. He will then lose his friends, his teachers but also all landmarks.
This is why it is important to accompany him in this difficult stage. Do not forget to communicate with him and reassure him. For example, you can try to keep in touch with his classmates, by taking their parents’ phone number and inviting them to a game as soon as possible. While the transition can be complicated, a few tips can help you prepare your toddler for this big change. Here are 5:
Show him around the school before the start of the school year
To prevent your toddler from feeling lost in their new establishment on the first day of school, consider organizing a visit to them a few days before. It is also important that the child meets beforehand his future teacher, the principal of the school Or the school nurse. Once the school year has started, he will be in direct contact with his people, it is essential that he feels comfortable to let them know of any problems (better to be careful).
Enroll your child in extracurricular activities
The practice of an extracurricular activity can be decisive in the development of a child. Whether sporting, artistic or cultural, these activities take place outside school hours and thanks to its multitude of forms, this practice brings many benefits to young and old alike. Enrolling your child in an after-school activity can allow them to meet their classmates outside of school hours and strengthen bonds with them more easily. Indeed, the adaptation of the child to his new school will be played on the friends and the relationships he will create.
Going to school together
In France, many children go to school on foot or by school transport. If this is the case for your child, before D-Day, it is advisable to walk the path with him so that he memorize the route and realize how long it will take. If it is possible for you, try to accompany him on the first day, in order to channel his stress and that he feels supported.
Prepare everything the day before and take your time
In order not to panic on D-Day, it is advisable to prepare everything the day before. Explain to him how this first day will unfold in detail. Together, prepare your school bag making sure he has everything he needs. For the outfit, pre-select three outfits according to the weather of the day and let him choose one.
Keep the same routine
In order to limit the changes and not to disturb your child too much, we advise you to keep, if possible, the same routine as before. Have him eat breakfast at the same time every morning, with foods he is used to eating and enjoys. These small gestures seem harmless but can reassure him at first.
Since May 2021, Pauline has joined the Aufeminin team. A journalism student, Pauline is currently on a work-study program and writes for the Aufeminin and Parole de Mamans websites. Curious and passionate, she…