My husbands grandfather is not doing so well, and he needs someone to take care of him. This has come about rather quickly, and we are going ot move in with his grandparents at the end of this month. My son is PETRIFIED to start a new school. I feel so horrible and I'm so scared for him to have to be so nervous and start a new school mid-year. He's in first grade. Any suggestions on how to make this easier for him?
2006-11-08 01:03:53 · 9 answers · asked by getting large with baby 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
All your answers are really great! You guys made me realize that I am acting nervous about this around him and i've set up two visits to his new school so he can get comfy. thanks!!
2006-11-08 01:43:32 · update #1
Let him meet the teacher first and visit the school, after the school has been dismissed. Let him ask his new teacher any questions he may be thinking, maybe have the school social worker with you on the visit for support. Kids are resilient, its scary but in 1st grade the transition won't be remembered in a week.
2006-11-08 01:10:55 · answer #1 · answered by Lady X 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been in a similar situation.
First of all - be aware that your son is going to take his cues from you. Your behavior about the move is going to let him know that everything will be ok, so try to stay as upbeat and positive as possible.
Call the school he will be attending and explain the situation. They have been through this hundreds of times over, and know what to do. Ask for an after-school tour of the school with your son the day before he is scheduled to start, and also meet his new teacher. Knowing where he is supposed to go and seeing a "familiar" face (his teacher) on his first day will go a long way to alleviating his anxiety.
I've been through this when we relocated, and am not trying to minimize your son's very real anxiety - but I can tell you that kids this age are a lot more resilient than we give them credit for. I promise you that before the first week is over, your son will be happily adjusted in his new surroundings - and hopefully, you will be, too.
Take him out for a treat after his first new day and let him know how proud you are of him for his accomplishment. Don't forget to provide a similar reward for yourself and your husband - you deserve it!
2006-11-08 01:14:59 · answer #2 · answered by happy heathen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let him know that you are not scared. My son changed schools in the middle of K. Things went pretty well. Maybe you can take him to school the first week or do something special like that. Just communicate often with his new teacher, hopefully, she can give him some extra attention. One thing I have learned if I don't make a big deal out of things...my kids won't either.
2006-11-08 01:23:20 · answer #3 · answered by LeeLynn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my daughter had to change schools we brought cupcakes to her old class to tell them goodbye. Then we were email pals with them the rest of the year. It helped her to know that all her old friends still cared about her. We even went and visited her old class one day. She was thrilled and they were all sooo excited to see her. It made it easier for her because then she didn't feel like she had no friends at all. She was in first grade too. Good luck.
2006-11-08 02:04:26 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs. Always Right 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kids are tougher than you think. I faced a similar thing every 2 years or so when my stepfather got different jobs. It was tough, but I survived. I had to make new friends and really became more outgoing because of it. My suggestion is just to tell him that things will always be changing and that he should get used to it.
2006-11-08 01:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep every other part of his life as much the same as possible. He needs some stability during this time--keep your old routines, traditions, (good) habits, etc. Also, don't let him see you nervous. He needs the assurance that things will still be mostly the same and he'll be okay.
2006-11-08 01:14:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be there for him. He will adjust but it will be hard for him starting in a new school a few months into the year. He will be OK, kids are resilient.
2006-11-08 01:11:33 · answer #7 · answered by ShanaJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
changes can be good things if you show it in front of him. don't freak out where he can see you or he will. make it an exciting new adventure full of great new things to do and see. and let him know he can always call his old friends or maybe visit sometime.
2006-11-11 21:09:47 · answer #8 · answered by DAYNA S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let him tour the school ,make the school staff aware of his needs,maybe try to meet some or the kids in the neighborhood
2006-11-08 03:33:56 · answer #9 · answered by evian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋