In Reply to: Any tips for smooth transition between not only schools, but districts, too? sm posted by Estelle on August 31, 2006 at 20:39:35:
I'm thrilled for you that you have more space and a yard (yeehaw!) Bet by Thanksgiving or so -- everyone will be nestled in and the transition will be behind you (hoping!).
I don't have much advice to offer...a few things tho:
Our kid was in three schools in Sept of 4th grade -- private to zoned public to magnet public. We put a comfort talisman in his pocket everyday (bookmarker of a row of pigs--he loved the movie 'Babe'). He comforted himself by being able to touch it and know it was there. I also placed a picture of summer fun with his best friend in his notebook. He had a 'visual' comfort of the unchangeable friendship. And, of course, mom and dad, stuff in his room, pets, his bed etc would all be waiting for him *unchanged* when he returned home every day.
If at all possible...could you arrange his furniture in his new bedroom so that everything is in relatively the same place? Waking up at night with strange shadows in weird places might be a little nervewracking at first (our ped. suggested that a long time ago).
Anyhow, in a few months it'll probably all be OK again. Can you possibly ask his new teacher if he can 'shadow' with a good kid in the class? That was VERY helpful in DS' new school.
Just give him some mental strengths about the unchangeable and maybe some sensory helpers...and, of course, remind him often that M & D and brother love him and that will never change. Hah! I know you do that!!!!!!!