How to Help Your Child Adjust to New Teachers or a New School
Starting fresh at a new school can be both exciting and terrifying: new teachers, new students, new building. While some kids adjust quickly, others find it hard to cope with the relocation.
For kids who thrive on routine (like an autistic child or ADHD child), this change might prove overwhelming. Such a drastic change can cause stress, depression, and emotional explosions.
As a parent, you are going to need to facilitate this transition from one house to the other. I want to outline some easy and effective methods through which you can make your kid settle in better.
Why Transitions Can Be Hard for Kids
For kids, change is scary — and transitions mean change. Schools — especially new ones, or in my case, a new teacher — mean newness, too — a bizarro world with all-new faces, different rules, a new and strange schedule.
Armed with this knowledge, we can appreciate that for many neurodiversity kids, these changes are even harder. Autistic or ADHD children rely heavily on common ground for safety. Their sudden change of environment disturbs them which makes it difficult for them to concentrate, take instructions or socialize.
Even Maye, who came up short but technically has no special needs, can feel the butterflies. The fear of not finding new friends, not getting used to varied styles of teaching, or (mostly — for those who will be going to a new building) getting lost
Indicators of anxiety in your child might be avoidance of going to school, sleep issues, or crying before the school day begins. Knowing these difficulties allows you to provide them better support.
Getting reoriented to a new school or a new teacher can be a hefty adjustment for a child. Other children react more positively than others, feeling a sense of excitement, but some feel apprehensive, even frightened. You, as their parent, can help your child settle in and make them feel comfortable. Below are a few simple ways to help your child through this transition.
How to Prepare Before the First Day
The more your child knows about their new school or teacher ahead of time, the easier the transition will be.
Visit the School or Classroom
If possible, take a tour of the school before the first day. Let your child see their classroom, playground, and lunch area. Meeting the teacher in advance can also make them feel more comfortable. If you can’t visit, look up pictures or videos of the school online.
Keep Other Routines the Same
When one part of life changes, keeping other parts stable helps children feel secure. Try to maintain the same bedtime, morning routine, and meal schedule. This consistency will help them feel more in control.
Use Visual Supports
If your child struggles with transitions, a visual schedule can help. Show them pictures of their new school, teacher, or classroom. Go through their daily routine using a chart or checklist. This makes the change feel more predictable.
Practice School Scenarios
For younger children, role-playing can help. Practice common school situations like introducing themselves, raising their hand in class, or asking for help. If your child is shy, rehearse simple phrases they can use to start conversations.
Communicating with Teachers
Good communication with teachers makes a big difference. A teacher who understands your child’s needs can offer extra support and make the classroom a welcoming space.
Before school starts, let the teacher know about:
- Your child’s strengths and challenges
- Sensory sensitivities (if they have any)
- Their favorite activities or topics
- Triggers that may cause stress or anxiety
- Signs that your child is feeling overwhelmed
Check in regularly with the teacher after school begins. If your child is struggling, working together with the teacher can help you find solutions faster.
Helping Your Child Make Friends
One of the biggest fears about a new school is making friends. Social anxiety or difficulty with communication can make this even harder.
Encourage friendships by:
- Practicing conversation starters at home
- Setting up playdates with classmates outside of school
- Encouraging them to join a club or activity they enjoy
- Giving them simple ways to interact, like sharing a toy or offering a pencil to a classmate
Making friends takes time, so remind your child that they don’t need to rush. One small step at a time is enough.
Creating a Comfortable After-School Routine
A full school day can be overwhelming, especially in a new environment. Your child will likely need time to decompress when they get home.
Create a Calming Space
Set up a quiet, relaxing area at home where your child can unwind. This could be a cozy corner with books, a weighted blanket, or soft lighting.
Allow Time to Unwind
Instead of jumping straight into homework or chores, let your child have some free time first. Watching a favorite show, drawing, or playing with a pet can help them recharge.
Offer Sensory Support
If your child has sensory sensitivities, make sure they have tools to help. Noise-canceling headphones, a fidget toy, or deep-pressure activities like swinging can help them regulate their emotions.
Supporting Emotional Well-Being
Adjusting to a new school can take weeks or even months. Keep an eye on how your child is feeling. If they start having frequent stomach aches, trouble sleeping, or refuse to go to school, they may be struggling more than they say.
If your child is anxious, try:
- Encouraging them to talk about their feelings
- Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness together
- Reminding them that it’s okay to feel nervous
- Taking a mental health day if they need a break
If their anxiety continues, consider speaking with a school counselor or therapist. Getting professional support can make a huge difference.
Talk About the Change
Discuss the new school/teacher with your child prior to day one Allow them to feel what they feel. If they are a bit anxious, assure them that this is perfectly all right. Tell the story of when you had to take something new head on. This will prove to them that they are not alone.
If it is at all feasible, visit the school or get acquainted with the teacher before school starts. It allows a sense of familiarity with the new place. Even the act of browsing some images of the school online can alleviate a feeling of uncertainty on behalf of your child.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Kids are always following their parents. Your child may be scared if you seem scared; similarly, you may be stressed if your child is stressed. Be upbeat and speak positively about the new school or teacher. Use statements like, “You will find new buddies soon! or “Your teacher is nice, I see!”.
If your child is having a hard time—tell them it takes time to adapt. Guide them to do little things — if they are shy, let them say a hello to a new friend or a question to the teacher. Compliment on their slightest efforts.
Establish a Routine
A new schedule is often the result of a new school or teacher. To get your child accustomed to it, you can also create a routine at home. Establish a bedtime, a time to wake up and a morning routine prior to the school year. This will help your child avoid feeling overwhelmed and in control.
If your child is old, let him choose his clothes or pack his school bag. Gives them a sense of responsibility and prepares them for the day better.
Be Patient and Supportive
It takes time to adjust to a new school or teacher. Some children adjust, while some require more time. Be patient and supportive. Focus on the little things, such as making a new friend or mastering a new rule that he or she has to follow.
If your child continues to have a hard time after a few weeks, speak to them, ask them what makes things difficult. A little extra support from a school counselor or teacher can also help.
Final Thoughts
Though it can be difficult to do, adjusting often leads to greater possibilities. You can help ease the transition by preparing in advance, keeping routines, and being attuned to your child’s emotional needs.
Of course your child may struggle at points, however with your guidance they will find their feet at their new school in no time. Remind them that they are strong, they can do this and so will you all.
