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Changing schools is a major life transition for any child. Whether it’s due to a family move, academic needs, or social challenges, the shift to a new school can spark a mixture of excitement, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. As a parent or caregiver, your role is crucial in helping your child navigate this period with confidence and emotional safety.
One powerful tool to support your child during this transition is The Imagine Project, a simple yet transformative writing tool that helps children process emotions and talk about their emotions. By combining emotional support with intentional strategies, you can ease your child’s journey to a new school.
Understand the Emotional Impact
First and foremost, acknowledge that changing schools is a big deal for your child. They are leaving behind friends, teachers, routines, and familiarity. Even if the change is positive, there’s still a grieving process involved.
Young children may express their feelings through behavior—clinginess, irritability, or withdrawal—while older kids may voice their concerns more directly, or even become unusually quiet. Either way, it’s important to listen with empathy and validate their emotions. Instead of brushing off their fears (“You’ll make friends in no time!”), try responses like, “I can understand why you’re nervous,” or “It makes sense that you’ll miss your old friends.”
Talk About the Transition
Have open conversations about what’s happening and what to expect. Remember to use “How” and “What” questions. Discuss the reasons for the school change in age-appropriate terms and invite your child to ask questions. If possible, visit the new school together beforehand to walk around the campus, meet a teacher or counselor, and find the classroom. These small steps can reduce anxiety and create a sense of control.
Use The Imagine Project to Process Emotions
The Imagine Project is an excellent resource for helping children cope with change. The Imagine Project provides free journaling templates that guide children through writing about their experiences using the phrase “Imagine…” to begin each sentence.
This method encourages kids to explore their feelings in a safe, creative way. For example, your child might write:
Imagine feeling scared to leave your best friend behind.
Imagine starting at a school where no one knows your name.
Imagine finding a new friend who makes you laugh at lunch.
By writing their own “Imagine Story,” children externalize their emotions, which helps them process complex feelings and gain resilience. The project works well at home, in classrooms, or in counseling sessions—and it’s free to download at www.theimagineproject.org. Continue to have them write their Imagine stories throughout their transition times, especially if they have a challenging day. You can write one with them so they understand how you might feel about the transition too.
Create a Supportive Routine
Stability at home can buffer the stress of a new school environment. Maintain consistent routines for meals, sleep, and homework. Check in regularly about their school day and celebrate small wins—making a new friend, understanding a math lesson, or speaking to a teacher.
Encourage activities that build self-confidence and help them feel connected—such as joining a club, sport, or art program—whatever their personality is geared towards. If your child is shy, practice conversation starters or role-play scenarios to boost social confidence.
Stay in Touch with School Staff
Communicate with your child’s new teacher(s) and school counselor early on. Let them know about the transition and any concerns you or your child may have. Educators appreciate insight into a student’s background and can be allies in providing extra support or encouragement.
Be Patient and Encouraging
Remember that adjustment takes time. Some children adapt quickly, while others need weeks or months to feel settled. Be patient and encouraging, reinforcing their strengths and reminding them that it’s okay to have mixed feelings.
If signs of distress persist—such as ongoing sadness, trouble sleeping, or refusal to go to school—consider consulting a mental health professional who specializes in child transitions or school-related anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Changing schools can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. With empathy, structure, and tools like The Imagine Project, you can help your child move through this transition feeling seen, heard, and supported. When children have the space to tell their stories, they begin to understand that even in uncertainty, their voice—and their future—matters.
Thank you and take care,
Dianne
Dianne is the founder and CEO of The Imagine Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps children K-12 (and adults) process and heal from difficult life circumstances through expressive writing. Dianne has her Masters in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, is a thought leader in stress and trauma in children and has written multiple award-winning books including The Imagine Project: Empowering Kids to Rise Above Drama, Trauma, and Stress. She is an international speaker, lives in Colorado and has 3 grown children. Learn more about The Imagine Project at www.theimagineproject.org.
