3 ways to prepare your child for the first day at a new school

Starting a new school is always a source of anxiety for children, especially on the first day: strange surroundings, new teachers and no friends can make it a day to dread. So what can you do to help calm your child's jitters? Here are three ways to help prepare them for the challenges ahead.

[Image credit: iStock.com/Dean Mitchell]

You can help eliminate the fear of the unknown by allowing your child to explore the new school.

• Call the front office during the summer and ask when you can take a look around. Most schools are very accommodating to this kind of request.

Simply seeing the classrooms, gym, cafeteria and outdoor space will help build your child's comfort level.

• Find out if any new student orientations are scheduled before the school year begins.
• Ask about any summer events, such as camps, taking place at the school.
• Attending these types of events can help familiarize your child with his or her new surroundings, which can ease any fears.

Finding friends is likely one of your child's biggest concerns as he or she starts classes at a new school. Seeing a few familiar faces in the hallway or classroom can help your child feel more comfortable.

• In the weeks or months leading up to the fall semester, reach out to neighbours and acquaintances to find some kids who will be your child's classmates.
• Get the children together at a local playground, have an impromptu back-to-school party at your house or simply let them ride bikes through the neighbourhood together.

Although your child might not become lifelong friends with the other children, simply knowing another student will make that first day in the cafeteria or on the playground a little easier.

Look for ways for your child to get involved at the new school.

• Review the school's website or registration materials to find out what extracurricular opportunities are available.
• Contact the school for information on sports tryouts, band, choir or drama auditions, or club sign-ups.
• Let your child review the opportunities and select a few that he or she finds appealing.

These outlets will help your child become an active and engaged member of the school community and make some new friends at the same time.

Some children have no fear of facing the unknown when it comes to starting at a new school. Others require a lot more encouragement. To help your child feel more confident, taking the time to go and check out the new school before the year starts can accomplish a lot. Although children might be apprehensive at first in new situations, they're also extremely adaptable and learn to fit in quickly.