Tips to Ease into the New School Year Transitions
Tips to Ease into the New School Year Transitions
Published on:
Aug 30, 2025
Category
Back To School
Preparing children for back-to-school transitions by setting clear expectations at home, familiarizing them with school routines, connecting with teachers, and openly addressing adoption-related needs can ease anxiety, build confidence, and help them feel supported during this important adjustment period.
With the new school year in full swing, both students, parents, and family members may feel everything across the emotional spectrum. Transitioning from a more relaxed summer schedule to the rigorous academic and extracurricular demands of school and activities can be difficult. This is often exacerbated when a child is moving to a new school or from elementary school to middle school, or middle school to high school.
Talk About Expectations Early
One way to help your child or children ease into the transition is to discuss what they can expect. Once you receive information about the school, share it with your family. Tell your child about his/her teacher, school rules, discuss expectations, etc. If you have the opportunity, visit the school or classroom before the first day so your child can see how to get to the classroom, bathroom, office, and any other important areas of the school.
Plan Transportation Routines
Evaluating your child’s transportation methods to and from school can also help make the beginning and end of day go smoothly. If your child rides a bus, practice going to the bus stop and talk through appropriate behavior when on the bus. Your family may be carpooling with another neighborhood family, so speaking with them before school begins and sharing about your child can ease the transition to school in the morning.
Create Structure and Routine at Home
It is important to not only discuss school expectations, but home expectations as well. Work with your child to create a schedule to follow at home that details what time to wake up in the morning, bedtime, and when to complete homework. Having a designated place at home to complete homework may help your child follow the schedule as well. Talk about what to do if your child is struggling and how to ask for help both at home and school.
Build Strong Communication with Teachers
Contact your child’s teacher before the school year begins and request time to meet—whether over the phone, virtually, or in-person. This is a great opportunity to share about your child’s struggles as well as strengths. Providing crucial background knowledge and insight can help the teacher understand the best ways to form a relationship with and support your child. Normalizing talking about adoption can help the staff at your child’s school better understand what may be going on when adoption-related issues arise. Here’s a great free resource on the C.A.S.E. website with more tips about how to provide adoption-related education to schools.
Supporting Adopted Children During Transitions
Transitions are difficult for many kids, and the additional layer of adoption can make change even harder. Preparation, both at home and at school, helps to mitigate the effects of what may be a tough time for your child. Be supportive and stay open, encouraging them to share both the good and bad.
Key Takeaways:
- Set clear expectations: Discuss school rules, routines, and what your child can expect both at school and at home.
- Familiarize early: Visit the school or classroom ahead of time so your child feels more comfortable with their surroundings.
- Plan transportation: Practice bus stops, carpool arrangements, and daily travel routines to reduce stress.
- Create structure at home: Establish a consistent schedule for waking up, homework, and bedtime, with a dedicated space for schoolwork.
- Connect with teachers: Share your child’s strengths, struggles, and adoption-related needs to foster understanding and support.
- Normalize adoption conversations: Help school staff be better prepared for adoption-related issues by sharing resources.
