How to Help Your Kids Fit in At a New School

Everyone has trouble adjusting after a move to a new city. Even adults can struggle to feel like they truly belong in their new community or workplace. For children, fitting in at school can be a daunting task, even when it's the same school they've attended their whole lives—never mind a brand new one.

One of the toughest parts of moving with kids is what happens after the move. They have to get used to a new city, new school, new teachers, and new peers.

Here are 5 Ways to Help Your Kids Fit in at a New School

Below are some of best things you can do as a parent to help your kids get adjusted to their new school environment (and hopefully make some friends) after moving to new city.

1. Acknowledge their Feelings

You might think that the best approach for a child struggling to adjust to a new school is to help them forget about their old one. However, it's important to show your child that you understand their feelings and empathize with them. Let them know that feeling lonely or missing their old friends is normal. It might take some time for them to move on and make new friends, and that's okay.

2. Take them on a Tour

If your kids know how to navigate their new school before their first day, they’ll feel less lost when they arrive. When they can get around with confidence, it’s one less thing for them to worry about, and it will help them look like they "fit in" and not be so obviously the "new kid." If you move during the summer, many schools have an “open house” day before the start of the school year. This is a perfect opportunity for new students to get a tour and meet some teachers. If this isn’t available, contact the principal to arrange a tour after school hours or at least get a map of the school to study.

3. Register them for Activities

Some kids might be hesitant to join a team or club at their new school, even if they were part of similar activities at their old school. Encourage your child to register for at least one activity. This isn’t pushing too hard; it’s a great way for them to make friends with similar interests and to become more known among their peers.

4. Allow them to “Blend In”

Different schools have different trends and styles. If your child expresses interest in new clothes or a hairstyle shortly after moving to a new school, let them get it. You don’t have to do an entire closet overhaul, and your kids don’t have to give up their individuality for conformity. Just let them find the look that will make them feel comfortable in their new environment.

5. Connect with a Teacher

To truly find out how your child is fitting in at school, the best person to ask is their teacher—the person who sees them all day. If you’re worried that your kids might not be fitting in as well as they could, ask their teachers for their perspective. Teachers can provide useful feedback on what you or your child could be doing to better adjust, including suggesting activities or groups that are friendly and accepting.

Additional Tips and Resources

Moving with kids is always a challenge, but there are plenty of resources out there to help. Check online or in your local library for more information on how to help your child adjust to a new school. From books to support groups, there’s a wealth of advice available to make the transition easier.

If you’re planning a move and looking for a local moving company, get your free moving estimate from Two Small Men. We’re here to make your move—and your child’s adjustment—smooth and stress-free!