Help with Transitioning My 9 Year Old to a New School...

I can only sympathize with you both... but DO NOT CAVE on this one. She's NINE... her friends will come and go throughout life and she WILL be fine. She's being dramatic because -- face it -- that's what WE do... (women). LOL... My husband's family moved several times and he had to go to new schools and that's just a fact of life. I'd say if you can this summer, get her involved in some of the VBS activites at your local church (near your house)... because maybe that way she can meet and befriend some people local to you... do NOT leave her at her old school just because you feel guilty... that's too much time in a car and that'd just be ridiculous when the school is right there.

I'd just let her know that you will be there for her if she needs to talk but don't bring it up again.... :) no one likes change...we get out of our comfort zones...but we all improvise, adapt and overcome. I mean, when I was a kiddo... we didn'dt have elementary, intermediate, middle and high school... we had elementary, junior and high school... and switching to a new school -- even at that level was uncomfortable but i managed... just like she will...

guilt is an evil weapon... better learn now to get yourself some thick skin...

Hi B.. Don't feel guilty. You are just being a mom. Kids have to learn that things change. And you know, change is good, although not always welcome. But i moved when i was in 3rd grade. And i thought i was never going to be friends with anyone, but low and behold, i made new best friends. And the cool thing, is you have double friends. So just tell her you love her, and you know she isn't happy but, she will get past it. I would try to see if the school has any summer things going on. This is a good way for her to get to know some people before school starts. Good luck. And don't feel guilty for doing what you have to do. T.

Hi B.,

I live in Keller, and went through something similar with my 9 year old son last year. When we moved from California to Texas, he went from being Home Schooled to attending a public school, after the school year had already started. Then, because we are in a new area, and a new school was built closer to our house, he had to attend the newer school this year. While changes can be difficult to deal with, I would just encourage you to keep the lines of communication open with your daughter, as well as her new teacher. Maybe arrange some situations for her to meet some of the children in your area that will be attending the same school during the summer will help as well. What school will she be attending? If you are in the Woodland Springs area, I would be glad to help you set something up.
-M.

She is scared and is translating that to guilt on you to try to stay in a familiar environment. It is only natural. A 1 hour commute would wear her out too and is not good for her either.

Aknowledge that it is not easy to adapt to change but that sometimes it is necessary. This is a skill she will need later in life too. Show her the new school and activities available there. If she is into a particular hobby and the school offers it, let her know. Walk around the neighborhood / malls. Give her skills / information to adapt to the change and new environment. Try getting her into some summer activities that other kids going to the school may attend so she can meet /make friends before the dreaded first day in a new school.

Both of you will do fine. Good luck.

You are definitely not being selfish!! She will survive. It will be tough, I am sure, but changes are a part of life and it will be a good learning experience for her. As a child, I moved around quite a bit. It was hard starting over at a new school, especially because I was very shy. With time your daughter will adjust and will make new friends. I think that if you can acknowledge to her that it's scary and she's angry and upset and leave the door open for her to discuss her feelings (without allowing her to use them to make you feel guilty), then that is probably the best thing you can do for her. Hang in there!!