subject: Moving With Kids In The Middle Of The School Year [print this page] Most people with school aged children, if given a choice, would move during summer break rather than during the school year, but sometimes things just dont work out that way. As a moving consultant with decades of experience helping families move, I have seen plenty of situations where children have had to move from one school to another mid-term and it can be difficult.
After watching many families cope with this unsettling experience I have some tips to offer people who are moving with kids in the middle of the school year.
Talk to Your Kids
Give them as much advance notice as you can so that they can process the idea and be ready for the transition. Some will be vocally opposed and others wont make a peep about it, but it will be less of a shock if they have some time to come to grips with the reality of the situation. Its also nice if they have some time to say their goodbyes to friends and teachers at their old school instead of just disappearing without a trace. In todays hyper-connected world they can probably still keep in touch with close friends without too much difficulty, no matter how far away you are moving.
Talk to the New Teacher(s)
The administrators and teacher(s) at your childs new school will require notification before you arrive on their doorstep, and if you can do more than a cursory registration it can ease the transition for your child. If you can, meet the teacher and tell them about your child, their interests, strengths and weaknesses both academically and socially. It will be much more helpful to the new teacher than just a transcription of grades and brief comments from previous report cards.
Visit the School
If you are moving long distance this can be tricky, but if you and your child(ren) can visit the new school, meet the teacher and get a good look at the facility it will really help them feel more confident when they actually start going there. If they need to take transit or walk to school do a test run from your new house so you know how long it takes to get there (and so they dont get lost on the first day!).
At some schools they will assign a buddy to guide new students through the first few days. If this is the case where your child will attend school try and get an introduction to your childs buddy, in person or through some other means of communication (Skype perhaps?).
Also inquire about school activities that your child has enjoyed participating in. Athletic children might want to try out for one of the school teams, musicians may join a choir or band, and there are usually school theatre groups for those budding actors.
Every child will deal with moving in his or her own way, but you can make things easier for them if you utilize some of these tips. Always let them know that you are there to listen to their concerns, and take them seriously when they express fears and doubts and together you will solve any problems that crop up when you have to move in the middle of the school year.
by: Jay Mover
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