While any kind of move is going to cause a certain amount of upheaval in your life, if you have young kids that will be starting a different school after your move, the amount of upheaval you’re all about to experience might be more than you’ve even prepared for. And if you’re having to make this move in the middle of the school year, you’re going to want to do everything in your power to ensure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible, all the while recognizing that there very likely will be some bumps in the road.
So to help you minimize these bumps as much as possible, here are three things to consider when moving your family during the school year.
Don’t Make Decisions Rashly
Because school is a huge part of any child’s life, both academically and socially, you’re not going to want to make any rash decisions when it comes to choosing to change schools in the middle of the year.
Primarily, you’ll want to think about your child’s personality and how well they do in school in general. If they are already having a hard time with things, it might be worthwhile to wait until a break in school to make your move, if you’re able. Just as long as you consider how these decisions could potentially impact your child, you’ll be much more likely to make these choices with care.
Spend Time Getting To Know The New School
Once you know which school your child will now be going to, it’s a good idea to help your child spend some time getting to know the school before their first day.
If you’re able to, try to set up an orientation meeting at the school so your child can see where they’ll be spending so much of their time now. But if this can’t be done, check out the school’s website with your child so they can get an idea of what the place looks like, who some of the faculty are, and what activities or extracurriculars might be available to them.
Try To Get Involved Quickly
As soon as your child starts school in this new district, you should encourage him or her to try to get involved almost immediately. If your child was involved in sports or clubs before, try to find out if those sports or clubs will open their doors to another member or player.
Being involved as a parent can also make this easier for your child, as you’ll have an idea of what’s going on around the school and can meet other parents that could help facilitate new friendships for your child.
If you’re going to be making a move as a family during the middle of the school year, consider using the tips mentioned above to help get your family through this transition.
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