School Transfer

If its a good public school then no. Besides, a christian or private school does NOT mean all the kids there are little angels!! There are plenty of 'nice' kids from 'good' families that act bad behind their parents' backs and get into trouble, after all.

But- here is the way I see it: your daughter will have to go through life surrounded by and dealing with all sorts of people, good and bad, of many faiths, of many backgrounds, etc.

It's good that you feel you've given her a strong grounding in your beliefs and strong values- but she has to learn to keep your values, even when others around her may have different beliefs, or not always behave like she does.

I always tell my son " I am not concerned with what so-and-so did or how they acted. I am concerned with YOUR behavior. I expect you to behave the way you've been taught to and use the manners we use in our house no matter who you are with or how they are acting."

I think this applies to your daughter as well. At 4th grade she is getting bigger and needs to be able to deal with more challenging social situations. Just be supportive and aware of what is going on at the school and I'm sure she will be fine.

To leanr good morals and values, you first need to learn why. Teaching only one way is a disastor waiting to happen. You have to teach as a whole not only what you want them to see.

Anyhoo, have a talk with her about what she will experience there. Be calm and supportive just let her know what its going to be like. So she wont go in culture shocked. Kids need explainations!!!!

My oldest girls were in private school until about that time and then we moved and had no choice but to enroll them in public school. I did meet with each of their teachers BEFORE school started and explained that there could be some transition issues. We did have some, but not ones that I really expected. For instance, they had never had a hot lunch at school before and did not know how it worked. Also, one of my girls "got in trouble" because she did not put her chair up on her desk at the end of the day. It was more of those kinds of "school rules" that we had issues with rather than their actually adjusting to the "culture shock". However, there wasn't anything so traumatic that they are scarred today (now 20 and 21).

Just watch her closely for indicators that something is amiss. Try not to confuse it with "4th grade drama", though :) That happens no matter WHERE you go to school.

Good luck!

I think if your attitude about it convey's "culture shock" then she'll go in expecting things to be scary.

EDIT: I agree with Elizabeth.... there are some very good well rounded kids from good families in public school. There are some parents around here who would be in shock if they knew what their little angels in private Christian school really do when backs are turned.

Present it in a positive manner. There will be things to learn that are school rules. Take her and tour the school, talk to teachers BEFORE school starts in August. Do you know any potential classmates? Try to meet some students before school as well so she has at least a couple of acquaintances.

Keep in mind that this is the age where a lot of girl drama begins (it does not end, private school or public)

Why is she so sheltered? Get out now and socialze, get in a group or find something that interests her...... (reading club at library, scouts, swimming, etc). Kids need to socialize or there will be a rude awakening later.

Keep your lines of communication open, listen to her, talk to her.