New School, New Friends, Same Challenges

For many military-connected students this isn’t just the start of another school year. It is the start of yet another new school.

Back to School. That phrase is everywhere this time of year and it’s loaded with meanings.

Back to School can mean:

Time to stock up on school supplies Savings on all things school related The return of busy schedules and homework But for countless military-connected students it means yet another new school, new rules, new friends, new everything. Military kids move an average of three times more often than their civilian peers. That can mean 6-9 different schools between kindergarten and graduation. Those numbers are the norm, not the exception.

Even for children that seem to acclimate well, starting over multiple times can be stressful. Whether your child is a new or returning student, you can help them succeed and thrive this year.

There’s lots of articles offering creative tips on being ready to start the school year. Ideas such as: adjusting to the new bedtime, planning for mornings, creative lunch ideas, attending school functions, and meeting the teacher, just to name a few.

All of those tips are great and will help your child acclimate. But just like us, kids worry about fitting in. They wonder if they will have any one to sit with at lunch, what are the routines of the school, what are the other students wearing? Just like you and me, they don’t want to show up and stick out like a sore thumb.

For many military-connected students this is a common occurrence. Being the perpetual new kid is not easy. The Military Child Education Coalition recognizes this and is a champion for military-connected students everywhere.

- See more at: http://www.militarychild.org/blog/new-school-new-friends-same-challenges#sthash.os9KVB9V.dpuf