Judah Racham
Programme Lead. Place2Be
Children’s return to school or move to secondary school can feel like a big task. Learn how to support your child — and yourself — through this transition.
Understanding why the transition feels hard is a helpful starting point. Some children adapt quickly, while others find a new environment overwhelming. Recognising this can help you respond with empathy rather than pressure.
Managing change and building confidence
Let your child know it’s normal to feel both excited and scared about change. Nerves are part of preparing for something new, and settling in takes time. They may get things wrong or feel unsure at first, and that’s okay. Remind them of past times they coped with change to show them how capable they are.
Remind yourself this isn’t about getting everything perfect on day one;
Before term starts, explore any worries together — like friendships, getting lost or homework. Looking at the school website, exploring clubs, visiting the building, shopping for uniform and planning the journey are small steps that can help your child feel more confident.
Once school has started, check in during calm moments. Listening for how they’re managing friendships and how they feel socially gives you the chance to offer support. Encourage them to meet new friends outside school too, and keep an eye on their online interactions.
Acknowledge your own feelings
Many parents worry about saying the right thing or knowing how much to step in. Remind yourself this isn’t about getting everything perfect on day one; it’s a gradual process. Looking after your own wellbeing will help you stay steady and supportive for your child. With patience, reassurance and practical preparation, you can help your child (and yourself) feel more confident about this new chapter.
Place2Be is a leading children’s mental health charity, delivering expert, embedded, timely mental health support in schools, so every child can thrive. We train and recruit highly qualified mental health professionals into schools, providing children with support where they are and when they need it most. We also support mental health across the whole school through one-to-one counselling, group work with Journey of Hope resilience programmes and Place2Talk, our self-referral service for pupils. Our practitioners also empower parents, carers and staff with practical tools and guidance to help children thrive.
Beyond schools, Place2Be offers free access to an online parenting and mental health hub for all families, with expert advice, videos and practical tips on emotions, behaviour and everyday family life: www.parentingsmart.org.uk
