Helping to settle in a new school

[CarrotPuff]

We've relocated and the DC had to move schools. DS, 7, is finding it a bit hard. First couple of weeks were pretty tough, he didn't have homework in his previous school but he does in this one, so it was a massive adjustment on top of everything else.

I thought he was more settled this week but we've had another wobbly evening (although he's always like that when a bit tired, need to aim for earlier bedtime!)

We listen to him and address his worries/fears. I've spoken to his teacher today as well and she did note he was a bit tearful today but said he's settling quite well in class. He has a coupe birthday party invites coming up which will hopefully help to form friendships.

I know he'll get there, I know it takes time. But if you or your DC had to move schools, especially if it was a very different area, what helped to adjust? How long did it take? I know everyone is different and it's still very early days but I really hate seeing him like this and I've got massive mum guilt! Is there anything else we can do?

We moved to Australia when our children were 10 and 7. Completely new culture in addition to new school.

In retrospect they coped very well....you're not specific about what it is that he's been upset about? About what his fears and worries are? The chances are that he'd have them if he'd stayed in his old school but it's hard to judge without knowing what they are.

Thank you for your reply. You are right, a lot of what he's worried about or struggles with would have been the same at his old school, ie he says that it's too hard, or he was worried about new PE teacher, what he's going to be like, etc. It doesn't help that he moved from KS1 which is more about playing and fun, to KS2 which is more about learning and work, just as we moved. But try convincing a 7yo!

Some of it is home stuff because DH is still in the old house finishing off all the packing, etc so he really misses his dad too. But somehow it all manifests into him being anxious about school!

Oh well then....it's such early days and his Dad's away. No wonder he feels a bit off. If he's saying the work is hard, is this true? How is he doing academically?

Thanks for your reply again, I'm really rubbish with getting back!

He's alright academically, not top of the class, but doesn't struggle either.

He's been up and down over the last week, had a big wobble yesterday, but today was better... we've got a couple of class birthday parties coming up, so hopefully that will help to build those friendships. I know it will take time, but I just hate it when he's struggling/unhappy 😔