explaining to kindergartner why he is going to a new school two weeks into the year...

[Anonymous]

hi folks:

we've gotten a spot at a school we really like but ds has alrready begun K at another school. how would go about explaining the change to your child? anyone BTDT? would like to know what to expect (possible reactions) etc. child likes current school.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

Haven't been in this situation, but my general principles when breaking any news to a kid are to be very cheerful about it, give a simple explanation, and project confidence that it is going to go well. I.e., "I have some great news. On Tuesday, you're going to start going to School X. It's going to be fun and you'll be able to do X there [something he enjoys]." You might also tell him he'll be in that class for a long time, or until summer, or whatever unit of time he grasps.

I find my kids are quick to pick up on any ambivalence I feel. Those two week are going to be such a tiny blip in his life over the long haul, and you feel good about this decision, right? Just go for it. They are so malleable at this age (and, frankly, speaking as a parent of boys, oblivious) and for all he knows this was just another camp he went to for two weeks.

[Anonymous]

Someone at my job had this exact dilemna and basically they didn't tell the child until the Thursday before, giving them time to say good bye to the new friends on Friday then being home for the weekend and starting on Monday morning. But it may depend on the temperment of your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haven't been in this situation, but my general principles when breaking any news to a kid are to be very cheerful about it, give a simple explanation, and project confidence that it is going to go well. I.e., "I have some great news. On Tuesday, you're going to start going to School X. It's going to be fun and you'll be able to do X there [something he enjoys]." You might also tell him he'll be in that class for a long time, or until summer, or whatever unit of time he grasps.

I find my kids are quick to pick up on any ambivalence I feel. Those two week are going to be such a tiny blip in his life over the long haul, and you feel good about this decision, right? Just go for it. They are so malleable at this age (and, frankly, speaking as a parent of boys, oblivious) and for all he knows this was just another camp he went to for two weeks.

I haven't been in this situation either, but I admire and recommend this PP's style! Good advice/approach, PP.

[Anonymous]

We just experienced a very similar situation. I agree with the PP who suggested the cheerful approach. Our DC was in kindergarten at one school for only a week and half. We told him in a very upbeat way when he woke up one day that he'd be starting a new school that day. Luckily, he had a couple of friends and neighbors at the school. We were able to mention that as an incentive. He reacted positvely to the way we presented it and has been making a very good adjustment. He mentions the other school a bit, and that's fine. If he has questions, I just answer them in a matter-of-fact manner. While he liked the first school, he has not expressed a desire to return. OP, I think it helps a lot that it's so early in the school year. Good luck with everything.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the cheerful approach provided you also address any concerns directly. For instance if DS says I'll miss my friends, say yes of course but you will make news friends. Keep it cheery but honor the child's concerns, too. (I have seen parents say things like Oh don't be silly.)