It’s natural for parents to feel a little bit of homesickness when they’re sending their kids off to a boarding school for the first time. After all, it’s a big change not just for the kids but also for them.
For the children, it can be tough to leave their parents and friends behind and start a new life in a seemingly strange place. Parents who plan on sending their kids to a boarding school might want to read this article before looking at Australian schools directory and go through it all unprepared.
For Parents
As a parent, one of the best things you can do is to be supportive and understanding. Explain to your child that it’s normal to feel homesick at first, but there are ways to deal with it. Encourage them to stay in touch with you and their friends back home and help them find activities and clubs that they’re interested in at school.
Do your research on the boarding school beforehand. This will help familiarise yourself with the campus as well as give you an idea of what activities and clubs are available for your kids. It’s also a good opportunity to meet other parents and perhaps exchange stories.
For Students
If you’re a student who’s feeling homesick, don’t worry—there are plenty of people in the same boat. Talk to your friends and roommates about how you’re feeling. You can also reach out to your teachers, who will be more than happy to help you out.
Of course, who else can better give you emotional support during this tough time than your parents or guardians. This is also a great way to remind yourself why you’re at boarding school in the first place. Make sure to set up regular video or phone calls so that you don’t feel too disconnected from your loved ones.
Try to get involved in activities and clubs that you’re interested in (more on this later). It will allow you to make new friends and help keep you busy and distracted from homesickness.
Some boarding schools have programs that help beat homesickness. Examples include:
- Clubs and organisations – These are a great way to meet new people with similar interests.
- Student support groups – These can be a really helpful resource if you’re feeling homesick or struggling to adjust to boarding school life.
- Homesickness helplines – Some schools have 24/hour helplines that students can call if they’re feeling homesick or need someone to talk to.
It would be best to ask potential boarding schools about their programs. With the right support, both the parents and their kids can overcome homesickness and have an incredible boarding school experience. Yes, parents can think of it as a shared experience.
Do you have any tips for beating homesickness? Share them in the comments below! And if you’re a parent or student who’s struggling with homesickness, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Remember, there are plenty of people who understand what you’re going through and are more than happy to help. Homesickness is tough, but you can beat it!
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