A new school year starts new things for both parents and kids. Kids who are starting a new school, either because they are moving from primary school to middle school, having a new friend or other sudden changes. Even when kids move to a new class, they need to prepare their mentality and adaptive skills for those changes. New teachers, new friends, new academic challenges are only the beginning.
What can you do as a parent to help the transition smoother now that the school year has started? Here are a few tips for parents to help children adapt to change in the new school year.
No one is more important to children’s success in school than their teacher. You should make a point to introduce yourself early or attend a back-to-school day to children’s teachers. For multiple teachers, calling or sending email are the most convenient ways to keep in touch. Keep it short, make your concerns clear, and ask for feedback from teachers. By this way, you can update your children’s situation at school as quickly as possible and understand what they have faced.
2. Talk to your children about their goals for the new school year
For younger kids, it can be something as simple as “I want to learn to read books this year.” For older kids, it could include helping your child choose appropriate after-school and extracurricular activities. Orienting your children to what to do in the new school year will help them reduce stress and be motivated to handle the initial sudden changes.
>> Let’s follow Tony’s story about his son when applying to the most competitive high school Harvard Westlake and learn more tips to set goals properly.
3. Encourage child on building social relationships
If your children are young, arrange playdates with their new or old friends. Plan activities with classmates on the weekends to help your children form bonds. If you’re not sure who would be appropriate for a playdate for your children, ask your children’s teacher for a suggestion based on your children’s temperament when they’re in class. Social relationships don’t just apply to your children, it’s also a good idea for you to form relationships with other parents, as it’s a great way to get to know your children’s peers.
If possible, volunteer at your children’s school. This can be hard for working parents, but you could volunteer to support your children’s teacher after work hours – for example, helping to coordinate the back-to-school day, or plan a one-time event like the class Halloween party. Research indicates that children whose parents are more involved in school’s activity tend to be more successful.
Cutting down on stress can start with making sure your children get enough sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is a necessary component to having a happy, well-adjusted kid with changes. Make sure your children aren’t overcommitted so that he has time to sleep. Also, don’t overlook the importance of eating a good breakfast, and providing healthy snacks and lunch, as they’re happy when they’re strong.
Adjusting to new situations and learning to cope is an ever-changing part of life. And this part is always stressful to kids. Adapting to the changes of a new school year is a great opportunity for your children to learn skills they will need later, such as changing jobs, moving to a new city, or starting a new career. Empathizing that change is hard, this will make it easier for kids to move beyond the stress—and, be brave with the fears to conquer changes successfully in the new school year.
5. Focus on the positive
If your children have a tendency to dwell on the negative aspects of a new school-year transition, actively help them see the positive. Point out the benefits of the school, the teacher, or the classroom. Keep your emotions in check. It’s normal for you to feel anxious too, but you don’t want those feelings to rub off on your children. Give your children belief and power to conquer those changes in the new school year.
6. Stick to a routine
Kids do better when they know what to expect. If you have a routine that worked last year, continue with it. If something needs to change, such as after-school care or a carpool, give your child as much advance warning as possible, and routine the change as soon as you can.
For example: Homework is a frequent complaint from parents and kids. Figure out a time and place to do homework, such as before dinner and in the dining room, and stick to it. From this habit, kids can quickly get used to a new routine and be ready for an academic year ahead.
Discuss the idea that every time your children experience a big change, they’re stronger and more prepared for the next one. By now, these once terrifying changes are probably a normal part of life that they no longer feel scary or overwhelming.
Accompanying parents are caring and patient teachers of Everest Education. They will be your kid’s trustworthy friend to share every sorrow and happiness in a comfortable academic environment.
