We are moving in the next month and my two children aged 6 and 8 will be starting a new school. I am very nervous, they are very optimistic and excited. How can I make it easier for them, and has anyone else been through the same worries for their children?
I was very very shy when I was little I moves to a new school at age 6 and made friends very quickly. Every mother is like this especially first day of school, will they make friends? will they get bullied? etc. If they are as confident as you say I think you will have no worries. xx
The one constant that remins when you all move is you and your partner, if you have one.
Reasure them that they are loved and valued. Cut them a little slack if they regress to childish behaviour, this is perfectly natural at a time of change, and it will soon pass.
If you don;t make a big deal out of moving, chances are they won't either.
Have your children seen their new school? My children were 6 and nearly 9 when we moved area and they started a new school. i arranged for them to visit the school (they weren't any children in school), just so that they could get a 'feel' for the place and know where their classrooms, the toilets and the hall were.
I felt so nervous all their first day, but as soon as they came out of school I knew that I needn't have worried - they were all smiles.
Well unfortunately my daughter has moved about a bit and I think on reflection Id say that the practical things you can do are to ask them who theyd like to invite for tea/play. They might be shy about this but your encouragement is important I think.
Secondly if they do come up against cliques (thatll be girls ;o) ), encourage them to ride it out as playground alliances change all teh time!
And thirdly grab the class teacher and ask how theyre settling in rather than waiting for parents evening - the rightw ords will set your mind at rest, or it might give you the chance to share any concerns you have.
BUT Im sure theyll be fine and I wish you a happy and smooth transition