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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.