How to help your child easily adjust after switching schools 

Switching schools can be an exciting new chapter for both parents and children. While a new environment, routines, and classmates may take some getting used to, many children adapt quickly and grow from the experience. With the right support, this transition can be a positive opportunity for your child to build confidence, make new friends, and succeed in their new school. 

In this blog, SPARK Primary Schools Child Protection Officer, Tshegofatso Komape, shares practical advice on how parents can support their children when transitioning to a new school.

Signs your child may be struggling after switching schools

“Children do not always have the language to say ‘I’m struggling,’ especially when they’re trying to be brave about a big transition like changing schools. As adults, we need to pay attention to the behaviour behind the words,” says Komape.

Parents should look out for common behavioural changes that may show their child is struggling to adjust to their new school.

These signs may include:

• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
  
  
• Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity at home
  
  
• Complaints of headaches or stomach aches before school
  
  
• Avoiding conversations about school
  
  
• Withdrawal from activities they usually enjoy
  
  
• Clinginess at drop-off or resistance to going to school

These behaviours are often signs of anxiety or uncertainty rather than “bad behaviour.” Recognising these changes in behaviour early can help parents provide the support their child needs during the school transition.

How to talk to your child about their new school

Creating a safe and calm space for conversation can help your child open up about how they are feeling about the new school environment. 

Instead of asking closed questions like “Did you have a good day?”, Komape suggests asking open-ended questions that encourage discussion, such as:

• What was the best part of your day today?
  
  
• Was there anything that felt tricky at school?
  
  
• Who did you spend time with during break or lunch? 

Asking these types of questions can give parents a better idea of how your child is feeling and also how they are adjusting to the new environment.  This also allows them to express themselves without feeling pressured. 

Why building a relationship with your child’s teacher matters

Strong communication between parents and teachers plays an important role when a child is adjusting to a new school.

Teachers spend many hours with learners and may notice emotional or behavioural changes that parents might not see at home. Building a relationship with your child’s teacher can help ensure that any concerns are picked up early and that additional support is provided where needed.

Working together with teachers can help make the transition easier and ensure your child feels supported both at home and at school.

Helping your child make friends at a new school

For many children, the biggest worry about switching schools mid-year is fitting in and making new friends.

Parents can support their children in this process by:

• Normalise the experience. Let your child know that most learners in the school have been “the new kid” at some point.
• Focus on one connection at a time. Having one person to talk to (A new friend, teacher, or peer) often makes the new environment feel safer.
• Don’t pressure your child to make friends quickly: Avoid putting pressure on your child to make lots of friends right away. Building friendships takes time. Instead, focus on the small connections they begin to form with other children and trust that deeper friendships will develop as they spend more time at the school. What matters most is that your child starts to feel safe, comfortable, and part of their new environment.

Supporting your child through a new school transition

Changing schools is a big transition — academically, emotionally, and socially.

Komape explains that with the right preparation, open communication between parents and schools, and strong support systems in place, children are far more likely to adjust successfully, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in their new learning environment.

Thinking of switching schools? Click here to find a SPARK school near you.

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