The last couple of weeks this column has offered information on public and private schools. Many families switch their children from one to the other at some point in the child’s education. Some go from public to private school in search of more one-to-one direction for the student or for a specialized curriculum. Other parents switch their kids from private to public school to give students exposure to the “real world,” often during the high school years, in preparation for college. Whatever the reason, the following tips may help with the transition.

Take steps to integrate your child to the new school system during the switch. Introduce him or her to new instructors, and if possible, some classmates as well, so your child will recognize a few familiar faces when starting the new schedule, and not feel as much like an outsider. If the school has a mentoring program, one may be assigned to assist your student the first few days. If there is no mentoring program, perhaps you can ask the teacher or administrator if a friendly student can be asked to show your child around.

Explain the new curriculum, learning methods, and code of conduct to your child. Even if you attend an orientation session, it is important for parents and children both to understand the new school’s expectations, which may be very different from the former school. Reading the school manual can help families understand how the system operates.

Support your child’s efforts to meet new students. Making friends can be hard at certain ages or for some personality types. Encourage your son or daughter to be open to meeting students on the playground or at extracurricular events in which your child participates. It also is a good idea to help the student learn to stand up for his or her beliefs and not be bullied, which occasionally can happen to new students in the beginning. If things get too rough, you can recruit the teacher’s help in guiding your child to a supportive group of friends and learning to avoid pushy kids.

Expect an adjustment period. Your child may become frustrated in adapting to a new classroom learning style or homework assignments that are different from those of the previous school. It is natural for some children to feel temporarily discouraged, frustrated, and even angry or sad. When parents are available to help the child understand what is expected and how to do the work, children may feel less overwhelmed. As with all homework, parents should let their kids do the work rather than do it for them.

Be ready to discuss new views and issues. Depending on the type of school your child now attends, it is possible he or she will have questions or inner conflicts about different learning materials, teaching style, and social activities and attitudes. Parents who take time to listen objectively and help kids understand their own feelings as well as those of others can help children navigate a new classroom experience.

Transferring to a new school can be traumatic. But a safety net involving the parent, teacher, and student can ease the uncertainties and frustrations of adjusting to a new academic environment.