Your Child Has Been Expelled From School: What Now?
If your child has just been expelled, you are right to feel devastated. An expulsion can be hugely damaging to your child’s future as well as his or her self-esteem. However, depending on the reason for the expulsion, you might have an even bigger problem on your hands. It’s important to stay calm and take things one step at a time.
1. Determine Exactly What Happened
Your first step is to figure out what happened. Talk to your child and talk to the school. The more information you can gather, the better.
2. Decide if You Agree With The Decision
Once you learn what actually happened, you may or may not agree that your child deserved the expulsion. Be aware that although you have the right to appeal the decision, expulsion repeals are rarely successful.
3. If Necessary, Get Help For Your Child
If your child was expelled for reasons of violence or other severe behavioral problems, it makes sense to keep him or her out of school while you seek professional help. Unknown health issues are often to blame for terrible behavior, so if your child has acted out of character, be sure to visit a doctor right away. Having an official diagnosis can also help when attempting to enroll your child in another school.
4. Look For a New Education Plan
Once you and your chosen health professionals figure out what is going on with your child and get the situation under control, it’s time to begin looking for a new school. Depending on the reason for the expulsion, this could be difficult. As a general rule, schools with smaller class sizes work better since this allows your child to get individual attention. You also might want to consider a private or specialty school, especially if your child is suffering from a disorder such as ADHD or autism.
5. Help Your Child Recover and Move Forward
Children who have been expelled don’t feel good about it, despite how cocky and careless they might try to appear. If your child made a terrible mistake or acted in violence, it’s normal to feel angry, disappointed and even afraid. However, at the end of the day, you are the parent, and you must find it in your heart to forgive and help your child move forward.
The best thing you can do is to help your child find joy and purpose in life. Getting him or her involved in extra-curricular activities and keeping the focus on doing well at the new school is the number one way to turn things around. Understand that serious behavioral problems don’t disappear overnight, but as long as you continue to love, support and believe in your child, there is a good chance that he or she will move forward toward a brighter future.
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