Kids going to a new school

[Suz]

Hi all,
My kids have been going to a private Christian school - the elementary has been great - but the middle school really just stinks - I checked out our public school system and I have to say I was impressed - I thought why are we paying all this money when our local school is good - Anyway, long story somewhat short - my son does not want to switch schools only because he feels comfortable where he is - my daughter is ready for the change cuz she would like to have friends in our area.
I really think that my son would like it after the newness of it is over - He is going into 7th grade - just turned 13 - so worried that I'm going to screw him up by changing schools - I know that it will be so different for him - the school they are in now is sooooo small.
So, what do you all think? Are we going to screw him up by switching him at this age?
Oh the stress of raising kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AnnW]

Absolutely, you are scarring him for life! I can't believe you would have the nerve to change him to a better school!!!! LOL

Tell him it's normal to be nervous, but focus on all the benefits of the change. I am sure they will allow you to tour the school before school starts so he can get accustomed to it. do you know anyone his age in the school? maybe invite the kid(s) over for an ice cream sundae party so he can get to know them.

my dd (13, 8th grade) is changing schools too this year. she is also nervous, but i am doing all of the above.

[Leigh]

Nope, you are not scarring him for life... a lot of children have to change schools at that age and turn out perfectly fine. Just keep telling him that he will have more friends once he starts the new school, and before long, you would think he had been there forever.

[Diane]

As Ann/Leigh said... he'll be fine. A lot of kids that age make the change and they turn out just fine. It's normal to be nervous but after he meets a few new friends he'll be too busy to even think about his old school. Good luck!!

[RCT]

both my kids went to a new school last year....they are fine NO SCARS!

I love Ann's suggestion regarding an Ice Cream social....

[Suz]

Thanks everyone
I just talked with my son and told him that his dad and I really want him to give our public school a try - he said OK and can I play football? That was easy - Ok, so now I have to keep myself from asking him all of the time "are you sure?"
It would be so nice for him to have more friends in our area - with us living in the country - we don't have any neighbors - and the school they have been attending is 20 min. away. I really hope that it works out good - My daughter doesn't seem to mind so much - she is going into 5th.
Thanks again!!!! I'll keep ya posted as to how the transition goes -

[JAK]

My kids are really scarred for life... LOL Dd has changed schools in the middle of her 1st grade year, her 4th grade year, her 6th grade year and her 7th grade year. Ds has changed schools in the middle of his 2nd grade year, 4th and 5th grade year! By the middle of the year I mean in February.

We are military so our kids are more used to it as are the kids that they go to school with. Some times it has been easier than others, but they always make friends and do just fine. Changing schools when you are going into 7th grade should be too bad as it's when kids go to a new school anyway (most of the time) since it's a transition from elementary school to jr high.

[Suz]

Ok, I talked to the football coach yesterday and he was just so nice - I told him that my son was interested in playing football - they have a Jr. High team - and he said that they have a camp next week that he can come to-
So, he is going and will get to meet some of the kids that are in the school - I really hope that he connects with some and has a good time - would really help with the transition -