How Does Changing Schools Affect Children?

Changing schools is a complex problem for children in most cases. It can affect kids emotionally because they may have to leave their previous life and friends behind. Depending on their personality, the time it takes kids to adapt to their new home may vary.

Changing schools is a process that affects kids more than adults. Often, we think little ones adapt better than we do to quick and sudden changes. However, children may suffer greatly from changes that shake their stability and routine.

How does changing schools affect children?

Children don’t always adapt easily and quickly to changes. In fact, this is one of the greatest myths about children and infants.

Like adults, kids are afraid and anxious about the unknown before a big change. That’s why it’s important for parents to show their children that they can trust them. They also need to support their children to get through the transition successfully.

How does changing schools affect children? Parents who have gone through a transition or move know that it affects children a lot.

Little ones face many emotions all at once. Some of the main ones may be sadness and fear of the unknown. They have to break the bonds of affection with their friends. Leaving the world that once gave them stability is very hard.

For that reason, these changes heavily affect children. However, it’s hard to predict how children will respond to the changes. Obviously, like any adult, the situation can go better or worse than expected.

The intensity of emotions will depend on what children leave behind, as well as what they find. If children go to school and make friends quickly, the change will be much easier. If they feel welcomed, they’ll learn to adapt much faster.

How to minimize the effects of changing schools

These are some things parents should consider before their children change schools:

Honesty

Children understand much more than we may think. In fact, each new generation is smarter than the previous one.

Lying to them to try and be protective isn’t a good option. This is especially true because sooner or later they’ll have to face reality. 

Then, it’ll be even harder for them to adjust. In addition, they’ll know that mom and dad lied to them.

You need to talk to your children open and honestly about what they’re about to go through. You need to explain why they have to move, and what made you make this decision.

Parents should speak truthfully in a way that their kids can understand.

Highlight the positive

Another important aspect is that parents let their children know all the great things the change will bring. Once again, it’s important not to lie. Don’t promise your children anything that you don’t know for sure.

Security

Children can adjust more easily if parents remain firm and unshakeable. So, it’s essential that they show themselves as being safe and confident at all times.

Parents are the most important anchor of stability for their children. That’s why it’s important to transmit that security to their academic life as well.

Integration

Children are more likely to adjust better if their parents are involved in their education. In this sense, it’s a good idea to get to know their teachers.

In addition, get involved in the different activities that the school has available. Sometimes schools need tutors, books, among other things.

Visit the new school

If possible, it’s a good idea to visit the neighborhood where the new school is located. It’s a good idea for the children to became familiar with the school before the first day.

Extracurricular activities

Enrolling your children in extracurricular activities is important for them. They can keep working on their hobbies and make friends more quickly. These activities can be carried out both inside and outside the school.

Without a doubt, changing schools affects children more or less depending on each individual. The most important thing is to be honest, stable, and understanding with them.

Likewise, parents need to be patient. It’s necessary to understand that it may be a slower process than you thought. Over time, children will eventually adapt, make new friends, and settle in.