For the average parent, the best thing that could ever happen to them is moving into a place with a school nearby. You’ve just moved, and everything seemed fine until your child refused to go. They want to retain their current school, yet it may not be practical. What do you do? How do you convince your child to change schools when all they know is how to get to the old one? It can be one of the most challenging tasks, especially if you have children who do not want to change schools.
You’re in luck because there are several things you can do.
1. Talk to Your Child About the Reasons for Changing Schools
The first step is to talk to your child about why you’re considering changing schools. Maybe there are specific reasons, such as better education.
Whatever the reasons, you must be clear so they can understand. It would be best to ask your child about their thoughts on the matter. This way, you can better understand why they don’t want to change schools. Which may include the following:
They Are Comfortable With Their Current School
They’ve built relationships with the staff and other students in their previous school and feel like they belong. Starting over in a new school can be very daunting for some students.
They Don’t Want to Leave Their Friends
Leaving friends behind is the hardest thing about changing schools. It can get tricky if your child is the one who is moving and their friends are staying put.
They Don’t Want to Change Routines
If your child gets used to a specific routine at school (e.g., sits in the same seat in the class, eating lunch with the same group of friends, etc.), changing that routine can be very unsettling.
Don’t Want to Leave Familiar Surroundings
Changing schools can also mean leaving behind a familiar neighborhood and community. For some students, this can be a difficult adjustment.
They’re Worried About Being the New Kid When They Change Schools
No one likes to feel like an outsider, and starting at a new school can make your child feel just that. They may get worried about being the only one who doesn’t know anyone or feeling like they don’t fit in.
They’re Worried About Fitting in Socially
For some students, the social aspect of school is just as important as the academic side. Changing schools can get scary if your child worries about not fitting in socially.
2. Make a List of Pros and Cons Together
Once you’ve discussed the reasons for changing schools, it’s time to list the pros and cons together. It will help your child understand the situation better and make a more informed decision.
3. Address Your Child’s Concerns
After making a list of pros and cons, it’s essential to address your child’s concerns. It shows that you’re willing to listen to their thoughts and feelings on the matter.
If your child has worries about losing contact with friends, try to set up a plan so they can still keep in touch. If missing out on experiences is also a concern, find ways to make the transition smoother.
School transitions become more difficult as your children get older. Elementary aged students accept that parents make these decisions for them. It is a completely different ballgame when students become teenagers. By the time a student reaches high school, they need to be heavily involved in the decision making process for a school transition to be successful.
When Your Student Must Change Schools, Make It an Easy Transition
Changing schools can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re doing what’s best for your child. By following these steps, you can make the transition smoother and help your child adjust to their new school. You can also visit our website or contact us for more information.