Adjusting to a New School After Moving

At Core Values Realty Associates, we pride ourselves on helping people find the right home at the right price for their families. Once all the boxes are unpacked, and a new homeowner settles in, real life starts. For those with children that could mean starting a new school, which can be extremely stressful for students and parents alike. Below, we accumulated some great tips to overcome some of that anxiety for parents and students starting their journey in a new school.

Prepare in Advance: Have an open and honest conversation with your child about the change. Address their concerns and answer any questions they may have. If possible, visit the new school with your child before the first day. Familiarity with the layout and surroundings can ease anxiety.

Keep a Positive Attitude: Easier said than done! Your child looks up to you for cues on how to react to new situations. Maintain a positive outlook on the move to inspire confidence in your child. Emphasize the exciting opportunities that await in the new school. Encourage your child to embrace change as a chance for personal growth.

Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Texas is well known for high school football and other athletics. Encourage your child to explore sports and other extracurricular activities offered at the new school. It’s a great way to make friends. However, make sure your child doesn’t overcommit. Strike a balance between schoolwork and extracurriculars to prevent burnout for you and your student.

Foster Social Connections: Depending on your child’s age you can arrange playdates with classmates or neighbors. Joining local clubs or sports teams can also help with social connections.

Communicate with Teachers: When there’s an open house, take the initiative to introduce yourself to your child’s teachers and tell them about the move. Share any important information about your child’s academic history or special needs. And keep in touch with teachers (without being intrusive to the learning process).

Stay Patient and Flexible: It will take some time for your kid to re-adjust to their new school, especially after a move. Be patient and flexible with your student, their teachers, and most importantly yourself.

Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing their efforts boosts their confidence and motivation in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Also, sometimes it’s good to simply celebrate a good week with a pizza and movie night!

Seek Professional Help if Needed: There is no shame in reaching out to a professional that can help arm you with the tools to overcome an already stressful situation. Pay attention to any signs of distress or persistent difficulties in adjusting to the new school. If necessary, seek the guidance of a school counselor or therapist.

Everyone’s experience is different. Remain flexible, open and supportive with your students, family and teachers.

If you’re thinking about moving and have children, contact us today so we can help find the right school district for your family.