Moving can be difficult for everyone involved. It often means a new school, a new home, new friends and a new ward. It can be scary to go to a new ward, especially for children. Teenagers may also have a difficult time adjusting to a new ward. Often groups and friendships have already been established, and people may not be as willing to welcome new people to their groups. Here are five tips for helping your children to adjust to a new ward.
First take them to Primary on the first week there. If you do not change what is expected of your children on Sunday, then it will be easier for them to adjust. Your teenagers should also be expected to attend their Sunday school class as well as Young Men and Young Women classes. They should also begin attending the weekly activities. This will help them to make friends in the ward.
Second have them choose one person in the class that they would like to set up a play date with. For the younger children you can call and make the arrangements for them. However your older children and teenagers should make the arrangements themselves. Teenagers would look it as having a friend over rather than having a play date. This will allow them to get to know one or two people in a one on one situation.
Third choose one or two families to have come over for a family home evening lesson. You can try to pick a family that seems to have things in common with your family or that have children similar to the same ages as your children. This is a great way for the entire family to make new friends. If you do this just once a month for a few months you will be able to make some good friends.
Finally remember that it often takes time for everyone to adjust. Additionally some people will adjust more quickly than others. If you have a particularly shy child, then you may need to be more patient, but it is also important to be firm in your resolve. Consistency over time will help everyone adjust to a new ward.
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