Relocation is all about new experiences and for families, this includes back-to-school season. Here are a few tips to make the transition to a new school easier for both you and your child.

Start a conversation with your child about their expectations, hopes, and fears for the upcoming school year to get them thinking about this fresh start. It’s important to give them a comfortable environment where they can be honest and feel safe expressing their feelings. Ask them about their expectations for the school year – including academic goals, goals for making friends, and extracurricular activities, as well as any fears associated with the upcoming year, such as making new friends, academic struggles, or transitioning to the new school and how it might be different from their previous school. Provide reassurance based on their feedback.

Children can thrive in new environments with the help of established routines, which include encouraging plenty of sleep and ensuring they have a good breakfast in the morning. Giving your child a consistent bedtime routine can support their mental and physical health, brain function, and emotional wellbeing. According to Equity Languages, creating a schedule to follow during the day helps create normalcy and ease during this transitional time.

This is the perfect time for your child to explore their interests in a new place! Encourage participation in a few activities that interest them. If they’re unsure where to start, you can expose them to a variety of activities like sports, arts and crafts, music, dance, or any other clubs or organizations that are related to things they are interested in. New activities will help the child grow in their new environment, all while developing new skills and talents that will help build confidence in themselves. This will also give them many opportunities to meet new friends that have similar interests, forming friendships naturally, and making them more invested in their new home.

From showing your child where the bus stop is to visiting the classroom ahead of time, taking the time and care to map out where they need to go can help ease any first-day jitters at a new school after moving for a relocation. If they are riding the bus, or even being taken to school by an adult, it is important to show them the route to these places. If they are taking the former, explain to them the proper place to wait for the bus, pickup time, and the importance of being on time.

Even if your child will be riding the bus regularly, accompanying them on the first day yourself can provide a sense of security by having someone they know by their side. Listen to their worries and try to alleviate any troubles they fear. If permitted, you can ride on the bus once to explain the route, stops, and appropriate behavior on the bus. This will hopefully alleviate some of the anxiety that they may be feeling. For locations that don’t allow this, ask the new school what allowances they provide to meet the child at their new school once they’re dropped off from their bus ride.

Make sure to meet your child’s teacher so you have an opportunity to communicate interests or challenges your child may have. Building a personal connection and rapport with your child’s teacher will make it easier and more comfortable to address challenges your child may face during the school year. By communicating your child’s strengths and struggles, it will help the teacher better understand your child and improve their learning environment. The teacher will feel more comfortable in giving personalized support to your child, and even cultural accommodations during the transition period.

Especially when relocating to a new country, it is imperative to be aware of any obstacles that may come your way. Equity Languages states language classes—or even a tutor—may be necessary, as well as encouraging practice at home, such as watching TV in the new language. Find out what services schools can provide to ease the different barriers and be sure all your documents are in order and updated. Schools may require medical files, vaccinations, past transcripts, proof of residency, and more – contact the school to find out what they require.