Kids getting adjusted to new school

Kids getting adjusted to new school

by Shailesh
(Pune, India)

Hi

We recently moved back from New Zealand to India. My elder son (6 yrs old), was attending grade 1 in NZ and in India he also started going to school in grade 1.

The school, teachers and friends are all new to him, and he doesn't seem to enjoy it, at least in the first 3-4 days.

Moreover, schools in India start the academic year in June every year. So he is a little late to join the school.

We are a little worried as this is the first time for us. He doesn't tell us what happens in school. But otherwise he is ok.

It's just the second week after changing a country and first week in school.

We are Indian and therefore he has his other relatives, and granddad here. But we want to ensure that he accepts the school and settles fast.

Can you please suggest us ways to make it happen?

The School is a good reputed school and we do not want to change it. Getting admissions to good schools is not an easy task in India.

Would appreciate any suggestion in this regard as without making kids comfortable, we will not be able to settle down & going back to NZ is not an option for us.

Thanks and regards
S

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Kids getting adjusted to new school

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TCK repatriating and adjusting to a new school
by: Sharon - Expats Guide

Hi Shailesh

Thanks for your e-mail. You are bringing up a very important subject.

I am not a psychologist, and I can only advice from my own experience.

Your kid is going through a very complicated experience, not only he started his first grade but he changed school and country in the middle of the year.

3-4 days is not enough time to reach any conclusions about his adjustment. It is way too early. We tend to believe that kids adjust faster, but this is not true - Some do but some don't. Each child is different. I have 3 boys and each one of them had a different adjustment experience.

I can offer a few tips:

Most important - Speak with the school teachers and educational advisor. Tell them about your concerns and ask for their assistance. I received lots of help from my kids school educational advisors.

Then - talk with your kid, let him know that you understand how difficult it is to start all over again in a new country, and that he can talk with you whenever he wants. Your kid might not cooperate at the begining, but I assure you that he will hear every word you say, and it will make him feel more confident and secure.

You can also help him make new friends - Encourage him to invite his new friends to your home. Call the parents and try to schedule play dates.

One thing you didn't mention is the language that is spoken in your kids school - English, Hindi? Your son might have a different accent, and this can contribute to his insecurity. Try to help him feel more comfortable with his different accent. In time he will loose it and gain the local accent.

I hope this help a little.

Sharon

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