Embracing New Horizons: A Guide to Coping with Sending Your Child to Boarding School 

Sending a child to boarding school marks a significant milestone in both a parent’s and a child’s life, brimming with excitement, nervousness and bittersweet anticipation. As move-in day approaches, parents might find themselves facing a myriad of emotions — pride in providing their child with new opportunities, concerns about the separation and hope about the personal growth their child will soon experience. When you send your son to Missouri Military Academy, he will embark on a journey of independence, character development and academic excellence, offering him an experience that will shape his future in remarkable ways. 

In this article, we explain tips for coping with the transition of sending your child to boarding school. We understand that the decision to send your child away for their education is a deeply personal one, and as parents, it’s only natural to experience a wide range of emotions during this transformative period. Our aim is to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to navigate through these changes with confidence, understanding and fortitude. 

Tips for sending your child to boarding school:

• Visit the school beforehand: Visit MMA with your child to familiarize yourself with the campus. Meeting staff members can also ease apprehensions. 
• Establish a routine: Work with your child to establish a communication routine that suits both of you. Knowing when you will be in touch can provide a sense of stability and comfort.
• Be supportive and encouraging: Frequently offer words of encouragement and support to your child, especially during the initial weeks of school. Let them know that you, as well as the entire school staff, believes in them and their ability to succeed and adapt to the new environment. 
• Focus on the benefits: Remind yourself of the long-term benefits of a boarding school education, such as personal growth, independence and enhanced opportunities for learning and development. 

• Connect with other parents: Engage with other parents who have children attending MMA. Sharing experiences and insights can help you feel less alone and more informed about your child’s experience. A great place to start is by joining MMA Parents Facebook Group, which is a private group for parents and guardians to connect. Membership is specific to the academic year to keep the group private and allow parents to connect with other current MMA parents.
• Be patient with adjustments: Understand that adjusting to boarding school can take time for both you and your child. Be patient and allow yourselves to adapt gradually to the routine. 
• Encourage involvement: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities and social events at school. Involvement in such activities can help them build friendships quickly and feel more connected to the school community. 
• Share family updates: Send updates about family activities, achievements and events to your child regularly. This helps them stay connected to their home life and feel involved from a distance. 
• Address concerns promptly: If your child expresses any concerns or challenges, address them promptly and empathetically. Work together with MMA staff to find solutions and provide the appropriate support. 
• Plan visits and holidays: Schedule visits and plan special family activities for when your child is home for holidays. Having something to look forward to can make the time apart more manageable. For more information on Homecoming and Family Weekends, check out our special events page. 

• Take care of yourself: It’s essential for parents to take care of their emotional wellbeing during this transition, too. Engage in self-care activities, pursue hobbies and spend time with loved ones. A well-balanced and positive parental mindset can positively influence your child’s experience. 
• Trust the MMA process: Have confidence in our faculty and staff. We are experienced in guiding students through this transition and provide a nurturing and supportive environment where your child can thrive. Trusting the MMA professionals can help alleviate some anxieties. 

How can I prepare myself emotionally for sending my child to boarding school?
Preparing yourself emotionally involves acknowledging your feelings and seeking support. Talk to other parents who have gone through a similar experience, talk to MMA staff and remind yourself of the benefits of a military boarding school for your son’s growth. 

What are some common signs of homesickness, and how can I help my child cope with it? 
Signs of homesickness might include sadness, withdrawal and trouble sleeping. To help your child cope, encourage open communication, validate their feelings and suggest ways to stay connected with home through phone and video calls and letters. 

How do I cope with feelings of guilt or sadness about not having my child at home?
Acknowledge that these feelings are normal but remember the many positive reasons for choosing boarding school for your child. Focus on the opportunities MMA presents for your child’s growth and academic success. Stay involved in their life through communication and visits. 

How can I help my child make friends and adapt socially to the new environment?
Encourage your child to join clubs, sports teams and other extracurricular activities to meet like-minded peers. At MMA, every cadet participates in athletics, helping them to be active and engaged. Remind your child to be open and approachable and share stories of your own experiences of making friends in new settings.

How can I make the most of school breaks, holidays or visits with my child?
Plan meaningful activities and outings during school breaks to spend quality time together. Create traditions or rituals to cherish the time you get to spent as a family, which will reinforce your connection and create lasting memories. 

Tips for preparing your child to attend boarding school:

• Start early: Initiate discussions about boarding school well in advance to give your child time to understand the idea and ask questions. This early preparation allows them to become mentally prepared for the change. 
• Talk about expectations: Discuss the expectations and responsibilities that come with attending the boarding school. Explain the daily routine, rules and the importance of maintaining good behavior and an academic focus. 
• Foster independence: Encourage your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities at home, such as managing their own belongings, getting ready for school independently or handling their own study schedule. These skills will help them adapt more easily to the boarding school environment. 
• Encourage social skills: Have your child develop strong social skills by participating in extracurricular activities and group interactions. Social competence can ease the process of making friends at boarding school. 
• Practice independence: Before he or she makes the move to a boarding school, gradually encourage your child to spend time away from home, such as at sleepovers at friends’ houses or attending summer camps. This can build their confidence in handling longer periods of separation. 
• Address concerns and emotions: Acknowledge and validate any fears of concerns your child might have about boarding school. Offer comfort and support, and address their worries with empathy and understanding. 
• Stay positive and supportive: Be positive about the opportunities boarding school will provide. Reassure your child of your unwavering support throughout their journey. 

Remember that every family and child is unique, so these coping strategies might need to be adapted to your specific family and circumstances. Be patient with yourself and your child as you navigate this new chapter, and be sure to read through our “New Cadet Experience” article so you and your son know exactly what to expect as you embark on the MMA journey.