How to Handle the Stress of Moving or Changing Schools

The MIND 24-7 Team | July 22, 2024

Moving to a new home or changing schools can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life, particularly for children and teenagers. The upheaval of familiar routines, the loss of known social circles, and the anxiety of adapting to new environments can be overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and support, this transition can be managed effectively, reducing stress and fostering a smoother adjustment period. Here’s a guide on how to handle the stress of relocating or changing schools.

Understanding the Sources of Stress

Before diving into coping strategies, it’s important to recognize the primary sources of stress associated with moving and changing schools:

  1. Loss of Familiarity: Leaving behind a familiar environment, including friends, neighbors, and routines.
  2. Fear of the Unknown: Anxiety about new surroundings, new social dynamics, and new academic challenges.
  3. Disruption of Routine: Changes in daily schedules and the challenge of establishing new routines.
  4. Social Pressure: The need to make new friends and fit into a new social setting.
  5. Academic Concerns: Adjusting to different educational standards, teaching styles, and coursework.

Strategies for Managing Stress

  1. Open Communication
    • Talk About Feelings: Encourage open discussions about the move and the feelings it brings up. Parents should listen to their children’s concerns and validate their emotions.
    • Ask Questions: Ask specific questions about what is worrying your child. This can help identify particular fears or misconceptions that can be addressed.
  2. Preparation and Involvement
    • Visit the New Place: If possible, visit the new home and/or school before the move. Familiarity can reduce anxiety.
    • Involve Children in the Process: Let children participate in planning the move, such as decorating their new room or researching fun activities in the new area.
  3. Maintaining Routines
    • Keep Some Consistency: Try to maintain some old routines to provide a sense of continuity and stability.
    • Establish New Routines: Quickly establish new routines in the new environment to create a sense of normalcy.
  4. Building a Support Network
    • Stay Connected: Encourage children to keep in touch with old friends through social media, phone calls, or visits.
    • Meet New People: Help children meet new neighbors and classmates. Arrange playdates or join local clubs and activities to build new friendships.
  5. Positive Mindset and Reframing
    • Focus on the Positive: Highlight the positive aspects of the move, such as new opportunities, a bigger room, or exciting places to explore.
    • Reframe Challenges: Teach children to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
  6. Stress-Relief Techniques
    • Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity to reduce stress and improve mood.
    • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
  7. Academic Support
    • Stay Engaged: Stay in close contact with teachers and school counselors to monitor academic progress and address any issues early.
    • Tutoring and Assistance: Consider extra academic support, for example, tutoring, to help with the transition to a new curriculum or teaching style.
  8. Professional Help
    • Counseling: If the stress of moving or changing schools becomes overwhelming, consider seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist who can provide additional support and coping strategies.

Additional Tips for Parents

  • Be Patient: Understand that adjustment takes time and be patient with your child’s process.
  • Model Positive Behavior: Show your own adaptability and positive outlook towards the move because children often take cues from their parents’ behavior.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small milestones in the adjustment process, such as making a new friend or doing well on a school assignment.

Conclusion

Moving or changing schools is a significant life event that can bring about a great deal of stress. By fostering open communication, involving children in the process, maintaining routines, building a support network, and employing stress-relief techniques, parents can help their children navigate this transition more smoothly. With the right approach, this challenging experience can also become an opportunity for growth, resilience, and new beginnings.

If your family is relocating or done it recently, your child may need help coping. MIND 24-7 is here for you and your family. We offer walk-in treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns—24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. All adults and youth are welcome. If you or a loved one needs mental health care, visit one of our convenient locations in the Phoenix area or text/call 1-844-MIND247.