Moving and starting at a new high school

Does anyone have any positive stories to share about this transition or have i messed up my kids forever.

We recently moved to a new town and my DDs are starting 6th and 9th grade. We do not know anyone in our new town yet. Orientations this week did not go well as they felt out of place.

I knew it would be hard, but maybe I underestimated it, especially at the high school level and I feel terrible for them right now.

Has anyone's kid successfully done this transition? Any hope to share?

Thanks!

Re: Moving and starting at a new high school

We did! Freshman year of HS. Although with a boy I think its a little easier then with girls.
I also enrolled him in sports camps through the district over the summer before school and it helped him to meet people. I was so worried about him, especially the first lunch period. Knots in my stomach all day. He recognized kids from the sports camp and asked if he could sit with them, that is who he wound up sitting with all year so it was a complete blessing.
He loves it and is so happy, doing really well socially and academically.

They will be ok! It's hard at this age but they also change classes all day and have so many opportunities to meet people. See if you can get them involved in something at school. They just need to break the ice and make one friend, its all smooth sailing from there. Good luck!

Moving and starting at a new high school

Thank you for your positive words! I’m praying next week goes ok and will push for them to get involved in clubs and sports

Moving and starting at a new high school

I think if you and you spouse are supportive and acknowledge what a stressful time this is, all will be good. My cousins were around that age when their family moved and it was no a neg exp.

Re: Moving and starting at a new high school

It's not positive but I moved towards the end of fifth grade, and I hate to say this but it was a horrible experience for me. I was bullied terribly and I hated every minute of the rest of school that year.

I agree with the above about joining a club or sport where they can connect in a smaller group with the other kids. Once I made one good friend in the beginning of sixth grade, everything started to get better for me.

Moving and starting at a new high school

I agree with PP. Have them get involved in a club or sport. This way they meet people in smaller groups. Once they make one friend, they should be OK. Good luck!