While getting comfortable takes some time and adjusting, these tools have helped my kids transition to a new area relatively well and quickly.
Start fresh. One of the best things about moving is getting the chance to reinvent yourself and start out in a new area as the person you would like to be. I always emphasize during a big move that my kids have the opportunity to go into their new school and neighborhood as anyone they want to be. If one child was known as the "grumpy kid" he can now be the "happy kid." If he used to be "the goof off" now he can be "the polite one." If he used to have a hard time keeping friends, now he can be the "good friend." In a way, it can be really fun to start fresh and magnify your good qualities while you work on those that aren't so great.
Get settled. The physical act of moving is one of my least favorite things, but the sooner you can get your house, and especially the kids' rooms put together, the smoother the transition seems to be.
Meet with the principal. This is CRUCIAL. If you know the school your kids will be going to, try to visit before your actual move so you can fill out all the paperwork and get registered, but most importantly, make an appointment with the principal. Take the opportunity, without your kids present, to ask for her help in easing this big transition. Tell the principal what type of learners your kids are, and be honest about their strengths and weaknesses. If you have them, bring your children's test scores and grades from their former school with you. Let the principal know the type of teacher your child has historically done well with. This step is so worth the extra few minutes in making the rest of the year easier!
Meet with or email the teacher. Once you know your child's teacher, take the opportunity to meet with or email him. Introduce yourself and your student and inform him about anything that embarrasses or worries your student and also what motivates your student. I would suggest you let the teacher know that your child is brand new to the area and knows very few people, so anything he can do to help is very much appreciated. My boys have all had teachers who helped them assimilate into the classroom well. They often helped them make friends and kept me up to date on how things were going. We were so grateful!
Visit your doctor. If you are moving states and your children are in school, be sure to get a list of the required immunizations in your new state and make sure yours are up to date. It was a huge hassle during our last move to find out we were short an immunization when we arrived. Because we had already received our yearly well check in our previous state, in order to get the one extra immunization, we were going to need to find a doctor, pay in full for an additional well check (not covered by insurance more than once per year) and also pay in full for the immunization. Such a pain! Check it all out before you go because they won't let your children stay in school without the shots or a signed waiver.
Keep all your paperwork together. You will be needing EVERYTHING when you move, so keep it all in a safe folder that is easily accessible. We needed proof of residency, social security cards, birth certificates, immunization records, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of former physicians and schools. Keep it all with you at all times!
Have a party. After a summer move to a neighboring city, I realized I had a Groupon for a bounce house party. So, before school started, my boys invited all the boys in their Sunday School classes to come to a party at the bounce house. It was an awesome way for them to make a few connections before the beginning of school. This can't always happen, but if it can, it's a fun way to get to know some of the kids in the area.
Host play dates. After a move, it is hard to want to have people over, but I've found that it is so helpful to have my boys' friends over as soon as possible. If a child is talking about a specific friend, we try and get their number and invite them over. Sometimes they come for pizza and a movie, other times is it just to come play outside after school for a bit, but it seems to help forge friendships. On the other hand, don't bother them about making friends...check in but don't be incessant. They have enough pressure to make friends without feeling like they are failing you if they don't make friends.
Involve them right away. I think it is
generally a mistake to let kids "ease into" a new spot. When we move it usually goes best if we just dive in. Right away my kids are part of the things they love. For us that is sports and music, so before we even arrive in our new hometown, they are signed up and ready to join a team and start music lessons. I have also found that people are usually willing to make room for a new kid in an extracurricular activity, so even if things look full, try. It is another great way to help kids feel a part of a new community.
Explore. Once we are in our new home, we like to really explore our new area as a family. We love being outdoors enjoying nature, so we will find great hikes, parks, rivers, or lakes to enjoy. It has also been fun to follow the local high school or college sports teams and to keep up on cool festivals and town traditions we can take part in. Physically getting to know our area really helps it feel like home.
Check out other posts in this series:
