Moving Blues

Dear Principal,

My son is in grade 2. We moved a few months ago and since then he has not done as well at school as he used to. He doesn't want to go in the mornings and is failing some tests. Could there be something wrong with the teacher or the school?

          Mrs. Lopez

Dear Mrs. Lopez,

Moving is a very traumatic experience for children. It is stressful for everyone however as adults we understand the process and are able to verbalize our emotions. Additionally, adults usually have more control over factors in their lives such as moving.

For children, the loss of the only home they have known, along with the loss of their friends, can be difficult to understand. It may help to explain to them why the family moved and if possible maintain some contact with friends from the old neighborhood. Rather than deny their sadness they may need help understanding it.

It can also be difficult to start a new school part way through the school year. In September everyone is new. In the middle of the year groups of friends have formed. Inviting several classmates over for a play-date is a great way to help your son make new friends. Your child's teacher may be able to suggest other children you son has formed friendships with.

I would also suggest meeting his teacher and explaining the change in behaviour and achievement. If she knows what he is capable of it will help her maintain reasonable expectations of performance. He may do poorly on a test for instance because he is upset and cannot concentrate, not because he doesn't know the answers.

With time and understanding school life should return to normal.