I have to move my child out of private school; how can I avoid negatively impacting my child?

Children are extremely resilient and don’t, as a matter of course, suffer long-term as a result of moving to a new school, although the anticipation of change and the early stages in a new school are challenging for everyone.  In typical circumstances, the children who find change most difficult are those whose parents do, and are therefore overwhelmed by guilt.  So it is important that parents make every attempt to recognize and convey the opportunities inherent in change and to address any problems as a family.

Parents should share as much about the circumstances as children want to know and are able to absorb, using their questions as a guide.  It is essential that they are told that neither they nor their parents have done wrong, and that the current economic circumstances are something that the world is confronting together.  Parents may explain that many of their friends also make life changes as a result.  Some move homes, others change schools; different families will make different kinds of choices, but sacrifices will be common among friends and family members.  Most importantly, parents should be available to speak with their children and to answer any question they may have.

Even when upset and preoccupied, parents should be careful to make thoughtful choices about the new school, reflecting on academic and social characteristics of their children and how they have fared in their current school, in addition to family values and logistical circumstances.  They should gather lots of information and ask many questions about matters important to children, rather than simply the factors that may be more pressing to adults.

Before starting the new school, it is wise to engage the head and/or teacher in a conversation about the child so that good class placement decisions are made and the teacher understands the child, his/her needs as well as current circumstances.

Communication, both with the school and with the child, is the key to a successful transition.  When families are calm and thoughtful, a change of schools can give children an opportunity to learn essential life skills, such as making new friends and dealing with uncertainty, which are an invaluable part of any education.