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Health & Fitness

9 TIPS TO HELP KIDS ADJUST TO A NEW SCHOOL

Year after year, from kindergarten through college, I always looked forward to the first day of school. Maybe it was because my parents were teachers at high schools and universities, which meant much of my childhood was spent hanging around chalkboards (am I dating myself?) and mimeograph machines (yes, I am officially dating myself). Maybe it was because each first day felt like a chance for me--someone who attended the same private school for eight years--to meet new friends. Or maybe it was just because I like the smell of fresh, unsharpened No. 2 pencils.

This year, both my children--ages 8 and 10--will be starting at Admiral Farragut Academy. This will be the first time either of them has attended a new school since PreK. I anticipate that our first few weeks will be filled with excitement as well as anxiety and so, being the planner I am, I’ve come up with a list of 9 tips to help kids adjust to a new school that I hope will make for a smooth transition for all of us. I also hope this list helps other parents in the same position, whether your child is starting at a new school, or even just a new division of your current school, moving from Elementary to Middle School, or Middle to High School.


1. Take a trial run.

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Many schools, like Admiral Farragut, offer a “Meet the Teachers” or “Welcome Back” program before the first day of school. Take advantage of this time before the start of school to make sure your child knows where to go and what to do on that first morning. This will help ease anxieties and also allow your child to ask questions about the new environment. Visit classrooms and meet teachers. Find out how they like to communicate with parents (e.g., through notes, email, or phone calls). Convey a sincere desire to be a partner with your children’s teachers to enhance their learning experience.


2. Arrange play dates or get-togethers.

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Ask the Principal to help you connect with current parents with students in the same grade your child is entering so your child can meet classmates and establish positive social relationships with peers before school starts. Now your child won’t feel like “the new kid” on the first day of school.


3. Try a little retail therapy.

If you’re local, take advantage of Florida’s Tax Free Week which, this year, is August 2 - 4. Nothing generates excitement like a new pair of shoes or a stack a uncracked composition journals.


4. Keep a positive focus.

As the first day draws near, begin talking to your child about his or her expectations, hopes, and fears for the upcoming school year. Reassure your child that other children are having the same feelings. Reinforce the ability to cope. Children absorb their parent’s anxiety, so model optimism and confidence for your child. Let your child know that it is natural to be nervous anytime you start something new but that things will be just fine once the school routine sets in.


5. Organize and prepare as much as possible the night before.

To avoid the morning rush, organize what you can the night before. Select a designated spot to keep backpacks and lunch boxes (unless your child goes to Admiral Farragut--we are lucky enough to have delicious, healthy lunch included in tuition!). Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings as well as a separate place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see. Explain that emptying their backpack each evening is part of their responsibility, even for young children.


MOM/DAD OF THE YEAR TIP:  To help your child feel loved and special on that first day, put a cute personal note in his or her backpack or lunch box. Finding a surprise pick-me-up like that can mean the world.


6. Get enough z's, and get up early!

If your children have enjoyed a vacation of late nights and lazy mornings, getting them up for school on the first day can be difficult. Make this transition easier by starting the school-year sleep and mealtime routines a week or two in advance. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores. On Day 1, get everyone up 20 minutes early so you can calmly get ready and get out the door.


7. Week 1:  Clear your own schedule.

To the extent possible, postpone business trips, volunteer meetings, and extra work projects on that first week of school. You want to be as free as possible to help your child acclimate to the school routine and overcome the confusion or anxiety they may experience at the new school. If the first few days are a little rough, try not to overreact. Young children in particular may experience separation anxiety or shyness initially. Remember that teachers are trained to help them adjust. If you drop them off, try not to linger. Reassure them that you love them, will think of them during the day, and will be back. Remain calm and positive, waiting until you get to your car to do your own “I can’t believe my little baby is all grown up!” boo hoo.


8. Encourage school involvement.

Go for quality, not quantity when it comes to extracurriculars. Too much scheduled time can be stressful, especially for young children, and may make it harder to concentrate on schoolwork. When deciding which activities to choose, consider your family schedule, finances, and personal energy level. Encourage participation in one or two activities that introduce new skills and reinforce social development. Kids are more likely to be engaged academically if they feel connected through a school activity, club, or sport.


9. Get yourself involved also! Volunteer in the classroom.

If possible, plan to volunteer in the classroom at least periodically throughout the year. Admiral Farragut has an outstanding Parents’ Group that meets regularly and offers plenty of ways to get involved, no matter your availability level. Helping out at the Book Fair, organizing a school auction, acting as a family ambassador to welcome new families and managing the used uniform store are all great ways to help your child understand that school and family life are linked, and that you care about the community and culture at your child’s school.


Being in the classroom is also a great way to develop a relationship with your child’s teachers and classmates, and to get firsthand exposure to the classroom environment and routine. Most teachers welcome occasional parent help. At Farragut, I plan to be a Mystery Reader for my daughter’s class, and help organize feel-good events like Muffins for Moms/Donuts for Dads.


Can’t wait!


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