Starting a new stage at a new school generates many emotions, both in your child and in you. It is a time full of expectations, perhaps some concerns, but above all, an opportunity to grow. We know that you want to accompany your child in the best way possible in this process. So, if you want to know how to help your child with the change of school, here are some practical tips. From our British school in Madrid, we invite you to discover some strategies to facilitate this important transition.
Signs that your child is not adjusting to a new school
Changing schools means facing unfamiliar surroundings, new classmates and different routines. Some children manage these changes easily, but in other cases, the signs that they need help are clear.
Keep in mind that during early childhood education, children express their discomfort in more indirect ways, unlike older children who are more verbal about their worries.
Keep an eye out for these indicators:
- Emotional disturbances: sudden mood swings, persistent sadness or increased irritability.
- Sleep problems: difficulty sleeping, recurring nightmares or regression to habits they have outgrown.
- Anxiety: excessive worry, nervousness, difficulty separating from you or constant restlessness in school situations.
- Somatizations: headaches or stomachaches with no apparent medical cause, especially before going to school.
- School refusal: frequent excuses for not attending school or active resistance every morning.
- Isolation: lack of comments about new friends after several weeks at school.
- Underachievement: disinterest in learning or unusual academic difficulties.
Restlessness during the first weeks is part of a normal process. Concern should arise when these symptoms do not diminish or even increase over time.
How to help your child adapt to school: a step-by-step practical guide
We offer you a series of chronologically ordered guidelines to make this task easier for you. Every child adapts at their own pace, especially in primary school, so tailor these tips to your child’s personality and specific needs.
Key preparations before changing schools
Adequate preparation will make all the difference in this transition. Here are a few things to do beforehand that will make the transition easier for everyone:
- Anticipate the change: speak clearly about the new school, adapting the explanation to their age and highlighting positive aspects without ignoring their concerns.
- Give them a leading role: involve them in some decisions, such as choosing their new backpack or pencil case, thus generating excitement and a sense of control.
- Visit the facilities: walk around the new school together to familiarise them with the important areas such as their classroom, the dining room or the playground.
- Facilitate first contacts: if possible, getting to know a future classmate or teacher beforehand helps to reduce their anxiety about the unknown.
What to do during the first days in the new school
The first days at school are especially important. Here are some strategies that have worked for many families during this initial phase:
- Transmit calm and confidence: children perceive your emotional state, so show confidence in the decision taken, avoiding transmitting your own worries to them.
- Keep stable schedules: regularity in home routines compensates for changes in the school environment, giving them a sense of security.
- Listen without judging: take time every day to talk about their day, validating their emotions without minimising or dramatising them.
- Create moments of relaxation: after the daily effort, schedule calm and pleasant activities that favour the discharge of accumulated tensions.
- Communicate with their educators: frequent contact with teachers will provide valuable information about their integration process.
Reinforce your child’s adaptation in the medium term.
Once the first few weeks have passed, it is time to consolidate progress. These actions will help strengthen their integration process:
- Encourage new friendships: organise informal meetings with classmates outside school hours, thus strengthening their social bonds.
- Celebrate their achievements: recognise their progress, however small it may seem, valuing the effort they make to face this new stage.
- Develop social skills: help them acquire resources to resolve conflicts and establish positive relationships with their peers.
- Collaborate with the teaching team: joint monitoring between family and school favours a comprehensive adaptation.
When to seek professional help for adapting to school
Sometimes, despite all efforts, children need an extra push. Identifying when to seek outside help is also part of responsible accompaniment.
Sometimes, despite all efforts, children need an extra push. Identifying when to seek outside help is also part of responsible accompaniment.
Consider seeking professional support if the signs of difficulty mentioned above persist with intensity beyond the first month or month and a half, or if they noticeably affect their general well-being.
In these cases, first talk to the tutor and the school counsellor or educational psychologist. If the situation requires it, an external child or youth psychologist will provide a specialised assessment and therapeutic guidelines adapted to your particular case. Asking for expert help is a smart decision that demonstrates your commitment to their happiness.
With your close support, patience and open communication, this new stage is sure to be a positive experience. Remember that knowing how to help your child with the change of school starts with being present and listening.
Referencias:
- Clarín. (2022, noviembre 21). “Tengo que cambiar de escuela a mi hijo”: cómo ayudar a los niños en esta transición. https:// clarin.com/familias/-cambiar-escuela-hijo-ayudar-ninos-transicion_0_M4ks8EScBw.html
- Grandinetti, A. (2024, agosto 9). Ayudar a un niño a adaptarse a una nueva escuela. Mejor con Salud. https:// mejorconsalud.as.com/ayudar-nino-adaptarse-nueva-escuela/
- La Nación. (2024, febrero 16). Calendario escolar: las claves para transitar el desafío emocional que supone el cambio de colegio. https:// lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/en-las-redes/calendario-escolar-las-claves-para-transitar-el-desafio-emocional-que-supone-el-cambio-de-colegio-nid16022024/
