Helping your son to settle in as a boarder can be one of the hardest things you’ll do a parent.
Every boy is different. Some boys will breeze into life in boarding school, while others will take some time to adjust.
In the first few weeks of the year, all boys are going through a period of adjustment.
Whether this is their first time away from home or their fourth year as a boarding student, they are all making an adjustment to a new environment. Some just have more experience at it than others.
Conversations with your son
In your conversations with your son, remain positive and help them by modelling and redirecting toward the positive aspects of their experience while acknowledging that how they feel is okay.
Don’t tell them that they should not be frustrated with the amount of work they have, or how they don’t like the way their roommate makes their bed.
It is completely normal for them to feel how they feel and it is important that boys, parents and the school all work together to help the boys develop coping mechanisms that they will need later in life.
Be a good listener
Listen to their frustrations and comfort them, then help them understand that they are in a process of change – which can be both difficult and uncomfortable at times.
Expect rough patches
You should expect some calls or emails home from your son when he hits a tough patch. Until he completely trusts the support structure here, you will be his avenue for complaints and support.
Remember to keep it in context, continue to encourage and remind him of the reasons he came to boarding school and the opportunities and experiences that are now on offer.
Good questions for parents to ask their son:
Most importantly, regularly communicate with the Boarding House staff about issues you think your son needs help with, or if he simply needs a pat on the back.
By working as a team, we can ensure your son is fully supported and settled in his home at school.
Mr James Norman, Head of Year 7 and 8 Boarding
Hear the story of one of our boarders
12 August 2026
Staff and visiting guests gathered at Knox on 12 August for a Twilight Networking Event. Bringing leaders together for an evening of connection and conversation, attendees later heard from internationally bestselling author, former state champion boxer and business owner Luke Kennedy.
10 August 2026
Last Saturday’s final rounds in 2026 Winter Sport season marked the conclusion of another outstanding chapter in Knox Sport.
07 August 2026
“Visual Arts deepens our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and the world around us,” says Wendy Shearer (Visual Arts Teacher and Head of Department, Senior School). “Through creative practice, students explore ideas, communicate experiences, and develop personal ways of seeing and interpreting the world. Art becomes both a form of expression and a means of connecting across time, place, and culture.
