Anyone at a New School This Year?

[swmom]

I was wondering if anyone had their child at a new school this year. We started in third grade this year at a new school - our neighborhood school - and I'm wondering if we haven't experienced much social success yet because we're the "new kid on the block" or if we're really not fitting in. Does it take awhile for the kids to get comfortable with "the new kid?" I know that many of the girls in my daughter's grade have known each other since preschool. And so it seems that many of the friendships/pairs are pretty solid. It's kind of hard to break in and the moms of these girls seem very wary of our attempts to organize activities which would allow my daughter to get to know some of these girls outside of school. What do I do? Anyone have any experience with being the "new kid?"

Thanks for any help or advice.

[LitlBaa]

I was a new kid so often...my dad was a corporate gypsy who took every transfer offered. I was in three schools in second grade! I remember I joined Brownies/Girl Scouts, and I met new people in Sunday School and other church activities.

Are there any school activities that your daughter could join to meet some other kids? Or sports or dance lessons? The more comfortable she feels with herself and her abilities, the better she'll be at talking to new people and making friends. And yes, it does take time.

Good luck to your daughter. Let us know how it's going.

[aimee30]

In our county all preschool and kindergarteners go to one school. So my DD starting first grade is in a new school. Unfortunately she too is the "new kid on the block". My DD has a hard time making and keeping friends. With her I don't think it has so much to do with being the new kid as it does impulsivity. I agree with LitlBaa. Involving her in some kind of activity would probably be the best way to make new friends. You would also be able to meet other parents this way. Good luck and let us know.

[vickilyn32]

I was the new kid several times as a child, and was a very shy child as well. I loved horses and joined 4-H which seemed to help. We moved 5 years ago, and the first thing I did was find a church and start the kids in sunday school. They also started playing the small sports that the community has, and within a few months they had several friends. DD has since moved on to other friends, but DS is still hanging out with the same kids.

[Momof2Boys]

I know how you feel. My kids transferred this year to a new school also. It didn't take my oldest one long to make new friends, he is very althletic, but my youngest who I am sure has ADD and we are starting the testing process this friday, has had a rough time of it. The first few months were kinda rough. None of the other kids wanted to let him play with them. We are so lucky to have them in a great school. The principal calls them in every four weeks to ask them how things are going. My little one told her the honest truth, that the other kids wouldn't let him play with them. Well, I don't know exactly what she did, but my kids is so happy now. He told me last week, "Mom, I'm so glad you and Dad moved us to this new school, I miss my old friends, but this is a much better school, I love it." The teachers at this new school are helping me so much with my lil one that is having trouble,,,,its unreal. My kids are in a private school, with 30 kids in each class room. Last year they were in a school with small classes, only 14 in the class, and the teacher couldn't spend more time with my kid. This teacher has 30 kids, and makes a huge efford to work with my child, and others in the room. It just goes to show you, if you get a good school with great teachers, it will all work out. It took a few months, but my boys are really happy and have made new friends. I hope all works out for you too....God Bless and good luck.

[midnightsable]

We started a new school in mid-November and up until this month have had a rocky time. ds - grade three, missed his old school, teachers, and friends soooo much. We started at such a bad time of year, just as ds was getting into the structure and routine, xmas hype started and then he had two weeks off for break, when we went back in Jan. it took him another two weeks to settle back in, betwen then and now doc has changed his doses and times for med's and we are finally seeing positive results. It is so cold here at night and still dark early in the evening that we have not yet met any of the children in our new neighbourhood. I do have him in a before/after school program and it seems to be just what he needs, he has hooked up with one friend in particular, and we just exchanged phone numbers with his parents, so he is looking forward to inviting friend for a play. We also got back in touch with a buddy from old school, and have arranged a play date with him, thankfully we didn't move too far away from our old place. Hope you find that special friend.