at breaking point

[papigo]

my youngest daughter started high school yesterday and spent most of the night crying- she hates it so much. she came from a lovely primary school to a big high school and i think is just overwhelmed by it all. she leaves the house at 8 and isn't back till 4.15 so its a long day. her big sister is in 4th year and will help her all she can but knows she cant stay with her all the time. when my yougest left this morning she was shaking and felt sick. the minute she was out the door i broke down in tears i feel so helpless. i have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and my husband and i are splitting up ( decided pre cancer) so my girls have a lot on their plate. advice please on how to boost my youngests morale and help her face the challenge of highschool-many thanks

[andy-hughes]

I do feel for you.

High School is a massive adjustment for a child this age - some adapt better than others.

The good news is, every hour she spends at her new school, the environment will seem less strange and threatening. Your daughter will start to pal up with others who feel the same way, and in tandem with that, she will start to get used to hjer new place and new routines.

Have a word with her Class teacher and explain your daughter's settling-in issues, and ask the teacher to keep an eye on her and advise you of any issues. First Year teachers have vast expereience of new pupils adapting to their new school, and he / she will be able to reassure you.

The best news is, this difficult period doesnt last long, so be patient. When your daughter gets home, give her lots of cuddles, and make sure she feels safe and secure - especially in view of your health and domestic situation.

I wish you well with this issue, and your future health.

[lozzylou]

hi i know how your daughter feels. the week before i started high school my parents split up too. i had a brother in the year above me who took me to school with him and waited for me after school. i cried every night because i didnt want to go. but truth was i hadnt given it a chance. i was more worried about what was happening at home. my dad went to the school and spoke to my teacher and during the meeting he explained how hard i was finding things and making new friends. none of my old friends went to my high school. i didnt know at the time that he had spoke to the teacher. but next day in class the teacher got us all to say our name out loud, then asked about where we lived, at what bus we got to school.there were 4 girls in my class that got the number 11 bus as we lived in the same area so she sat us all in pairs or groups of where we lived. because i had to sit by these girls in class in the morning and afternoon i started walkin out with them and to the bus stop and eventually we started waiting at the bus stop for each other in the morning. i thought this was a great way to get us all talking and making friends.
maybe you could try going to see heer teacher.