- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
The New School Blues
Help Your Child Adjust to a
New School
New School
By Shel Franco
"We figured Julia was doing fine," says Kathy Thompson of Lansing, Mich. "She seemed to have adjusted well. But it was odd that she never called friends and that friends never called her. We didn't realize she was being cordial but not really getting to know anyone. That changed when I suggested she join the ski club."
If you're not in school with your child and you can't meet classmates ahead of time, how do you help friendships develop? Suggest an activity. "Try to have the parents involve their children in extracurricular activities – any sports, scouts, music, etc.," Linden says. "Anything is better than nothing. Those groups typically foster good friendships."
The school also can be instrumental in helping your special needs child get settled. "If a child has special needs, whether they are academic, physical or social-emotional, let the school know in advance so they can offer their support," Linden says. "Most districts have support teams to help students."
Starting over in a new school is not just your child's problem; it can become everyone's problem if behavior issues result from unhappiness. Even though relocation is a busy time for parents, you have the knowledge to empower your child, if you just take the extra time.