7 Things You Should Know Now If Your Child Is Starting at a New School

Whether your child is going into their first school experience ever, starting at a brand-new school because of a move, or moving up a grade into a new building in their district, transitioning can be difficult for both of you. Some kids will run into their new classroom on the first day, barely say goodbye to you, and never look back, but others will need help with the changes they're likely to be faced with (like fitting in, keeping up with the work, and making friends). To make the transition as smooth as possible for your kiddo, we have a list of things you should know about your child's new school, and tips to try to ease them into their new environment.

Scroll through for seven things to consider before your child starts at their new school to make sure they have a great year.

01
Anxiety is normal.
Flickr user woodleywonderworks

Anxiety is normal.

Kids fear the unknown, and may be a bit apprehensive about starting school in general or going to a new school in a new building with unfamiliar faces. Rather than reassure them that "everything will be okay," talk to them about their specific worries and problem-solve.

02
Your outlook on this change matters.
Flickr user Personal Creations

Your outlook on this change matters.

If you are positive and excited about the new school switch, your attitude is going to rub off on your child. Let your confidence in the transition show, and talk to your child about when you went to new schools and how much fun you know it can be. Start new school traditions with them to help make this change feel even more special.

03
Getting involved will help everyone.
Flickr user Allison Meier

Getting involved will help everyone.

Don't send your kids to school on day one without having met or corresponded with your child's teacher, the principal, or any other important members of staff. Feeling comfortable with everyone and knowing a bit about them will help you to make your child's transition easier. If you have the time, being involved as a class mom or with the PTA is a further way to involve yourself in the new school.

04
Know the basics of how the school operates.
Flickr user Lucélia Ribeiro

Know the basics of how the school operates.

Find out about after-school activities, class sizes, policies, and other important information that may not necessarily be wrapped up in a neat little brochure for you ahead of the first day. Knowing what to expect will help you to answer your child's questions and ease any worries they may have.

05
Learn about the extracurriculars to help get your kid involved.
Flickr user Jill Carlson (jillcarlson.org)

Learn about the extracurriculars to help get your kid involved.

Find out what the school offers after class and what kinds of teams will have openings come the Fall (as well as deadlines for joining or trying out for everything). You can talk to your child about the activities that might interest them, which will make them eager to get to their new school and into an extracurricular they enjoy.

06
Be aware of your child's school's lunch policies.
Flickr user Melissa

Be aware of your child's school's lunch policies.

Lunch is every child's favorite subject, but with the rise of food allergies, it's important to take note of the school's allergy policies to make sure everything you pack for them is acceptable. If your child is the one with the allergies, be an advocate for your child. Although schools are more aware of allergies now, that doesn't mean they'll know exactly how to deal with your child's particular needs.

07
Prepare to be there for your child, even if they don’t seem to need you.
Flickr user Dan Zen

Prepare to be there for your child, even if they don’t seem to need you.

Transitioning to a new school is hard for both children and their parents. Your child might need a lot of help with the change, or maybe they'll barrel into their classroom on day one and never look back. Either way, the home you make for them to come back to every day will help keep them comfortable more than you realize, and knowing that they have you there no matter what will give them confidence beyond measure as they take on their new environment.