Help For The New Kid At School

One of the most difficult aspects of moving for millions of children is the adjustment to a new school. As a mom, you are on a seesaw of emotions along with your children - up and relieved when they adjust well, but down and worried when they don't.

With some kids, everything will come together smoothly. For other kids, it's a struggle. What you do to ease the transition into school will give comfort and confidence to your child. Your child will appreciate your sensitivity in these areas:

Pray Together
Remember to pray together and share scriptures of encouragement with your children.

Fashion Trends
Check out the local fashion trends for the area you live in when shopping for back-to-school clothes. (Hawaiian shirts don't fit in everywhere!) Even school uniforms have their do's and don'ts. Fitting in is very important to teens.

Keep Information Accessable
Write down on an index card your address, home telephone and family cell phone numbers, your child's bus number and any other pertinent information your child needs to remember. This information may be difficult for them to recall should they become anxious or overloaded. Have your child place this card in their backpack.

Class Buddy
For younger children, ask the teacher to assign a friendly buddy for that first week so your child won't be alone at lunch and recess.

Ease Into School
Lighten up on the academics for the first few weeks. It may be more important at first to make friends and learn about the school. Your children will learn a lot more when they feel comfortable and stable in their surroundings.

Volunteer At School
Any hands-on involvement at school is a source of connectedness for you and your child. Accompany your children on field trips, bring goodies to class, work in a booth at the school carnival.

Connect With Other Moms
Make it a point to speak with the moms you meet at your child's school and Sunday school. They're a great resource for learning about the sports programs, dance studios, and fun hang outs frequented by classmates.

Address Cards
Consider printing some colorful address cards for each of your children that are business card size. Include your child's name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. These will be fun to pass around to new friends.