Hello!

We just moved interstate and their new school is very different to their old one. Any ideas for how to help them settle? Thanks


Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • I think it will take some time to adjust to how the school runs. Maybe have a chat to the school to see what advice they have, they would likely have many families who would feel a bit the same when starting out.


  • Become a parent helper for a time to help your child settle in.


  • I had 3 different schools in 3 years at one stage. I was extremely shy yet I coped. Luckily mum knew people with kids my age so I knew someone before I started, that might help


  • It depends on the age of the child/children.
    Settling into a new area is difficult for a person of any age.
    Encourage your child to introduce themselves, speak to the school & they should be able to make the process a bit easier by organising a buddy/friend.
    Be patient, these things do take time.


  • Time is the best solution for this. New people, new surroundings, new routine….time and patience should see them settle


  • just tell your children about introducing your self. and don’t worry too much about it. their teacher will give them a buddy who will show them around and help them to make friends and teachers usually pick the nicer kids for this job.


  • Depending the age of your children I wouldn’t encourage the lunch swap idea. Some of the other kids had only junk food. Kids need good food to be able to function properly and concentrate in class. Your child may be allergic to something in another child’s food that you weren’t previously aware of because they have never had it before. I have seen some sick kids through that. A child that is fairly outgoing will make friends quicker than a naturally shy one. If you find after a couple of weeks that there is definitely an issue that help is needed she if you can talk to the teacher/s who may be able to help. Some schools have teachers’ assistants who are specially trained to help with problems. I personally know a lady who was specially trained and does this at a school 2 days a week.


  • it will take a bit of time..all the best :)


  • It would take a little time to settle in to a new school. Try getting involved in classroom activities and getting to know other families in the school community.


  • i think it would take them a little time


  • try getting involved as much as you can


  • I found getting my kids involved in the local community outside of school (sports, scouts etc) really helped them to settle into their new school. It allowed them to make new friends in their own time outside of school and then those friendships carried on to the school yard.


  • Time will be the best thing :) kids adapt really fast. I would look into local sporting clubs and even join them up in the school footy/basketball/netball tea. they will be fine though. i was so worried about my boys starting a new school too but they setteled in really well. they werent the “New kids’ for very long x


  • they will find their own way when they meet some new friends


  • Getting involved in a sporting club or local scouts/guide group is a great way to make new friends :D


  • there are some good comments here


  • Listen to any of their concerns and chat to their new teachers. Get their opinions on how the kids are settling.


  • I know this all too well. So many great suggestions. The ones that always helped me most were if there was no big fuss made on the first day. Make sure I was in the exact uniform as everyone else. And I used to love opening my lunch box at lunch time and find a special note from mum. Kind of reminded me that I was safe.


  • Its a tough call for the kids-i went to 9 schools before grade seven so I know all the fears this involves. Try to tone down the first day where possible and take things as they come without being too pushy of protective in week one as the kids hopefully will find a happy balance by themselves


  • Some really great ideas here


Post your reply

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join