Heading to boarding school is exciting, but getting used to being at home is also a scary experience. Immerse yourself in the love and home care your child is bound to provide. Helping him settle into a boarding school helps make sure he gets the most out of it.

If you’re sending your Pring to boarding school, prepare for an onslaught of mixed emotions. While your child is drawn to independence, he will also stress unfamiliar environments. Children can suffer from the brunt of loneliness, and if not treated, they can become a victim of depression! As a parent, you should be in constant contact with the school and teachers to ensure that the boarding school boundaries are well with your child.

How do you take your child to boarding school?

1. Be prepared

Involve your child in shopping, marking, labeling, and packing for school so that he feels more excited than stressed. Help your child adhere to school time and dress codes to set a style for the day. An early reprimand for rule-breaking can set the tone for your child’s stay in school.

2. Teach your child to be organized

The biggest change for a child will be learning to take care of himself and his possessions. Encourage her to organize with lists, folded clothes, a neat closet, and books. Lost items in the house cannot be replaced immediately, so tell him to be careful!

3. Encourage your child to find a friend

Some schools have a friend system where two children are responsible for looking after each other. If your child’s school does not have such a system, check with your child’s roommate beforehand. It helps create a bond that goes beyond school and allows friends to hold on to homesickness together.

4. Talk about it

Once your child finds a friend, life becomes easier. Encourage him to talk to your friend when he’s in trouble or when he’s going through a low. It’s helpful to understand that he’s probably not the only person going through this.

5. Make sure he’s engaged

Most boarding schools have strict schedules for study, sports and sleep. Encourage your child to do activities he is interested in. This will bring him new like-minded friends, develop a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and drive away lonely monsters.

6. Stay connected

Schools usually have a system for writing letters to parents. Connect with your child’s mood so you can read signs of depression or stress. If the school allows cell phones and you think your child is mature enough, you might consider getting one.

7. Do not be upset about your feelings for your child

Moms, boarding school, and separation can be just as painful for your child as they are for you. How much you miss him but don’t play. Listen more than you talk and encourage him to be happy at school instead of at home.

With a little preparation and encouragement, boarding school can become a fun place for your child while providing valuable lessons in independence. Prepare well to make sure your child is well-equipped and super excited for school!