How did you help your children transition before/after moving?

Question

I have 4 kids. My oldest 2 have always gone to the same school with their same friends. They are 4th grade and 2nd grade.

My 3 y.o was in preschool last year and was supposed to go back this year to the same class.

But since we are moving next weekend. They will start at a new school. With different kids, teachers and a whole different school. This is bothering me a lot.

I am not sure why I am getting so emotional over it.

How can I make sure they transition okay and settle my mind about it as well?

Answer 1

My 7 year old son and I just moved in with my fiance this summer.  What I did was tell my son since last January when everything became official, we talked about it many times along these months, he cried when I told him and then again a few days ago the night before we flew over here.  Of course it was hard for me too, but I'm not allowing myself for him to see me homesick and I talk to him about the future and the fun part (there has to be one in everyone's particular situation), I also took him to places I knew he'd like it in here and he did, we're doing fun stuff like desserts together and I'm making his favorite meals these days.  I also spoke with him the last time he cried, about my mom, two of his aunts and myself who have moved to different cities and have been great.  Right now he's already talking about the new friends he's gonna make and his new school and teachers. I know he's still a bit nervous, but yet excited too.  I hope it helped, good luck with your kids, God bless you.

Answer 2

My advice would be to make sure you attended any parent meetings for your children's new schools that way you get to meet the new moms and set up play dates. It may be that a certain group of moms already hook up to go the park or the library and that would be a great way to introduce your children to their potentially new friends and classmates. Also, make plans now to go to the local indoor play place. I always ran into my kids entire school there so its a wonderful place to meet new local friends. It is definitely tough making new friends and moving even as an adult so helping your children make even one new friend will definitely make the transition much smoother!

Good luck and HTH!

Answer 3

Could you possibly let your children still visit their friends, outside of school? This will help them emotionally, if they're really attached to begin with. Also, if you're worried, just talk to them and ask how they are feeling about everything. If they are nervous/scared, just reassuring them that they will make new friends (like they did when they started school in Pre-K/Kindergarten). If they are okay, then just leave it be. After their first few days, make sure that you listen to what they have to say so that you know nothing is bothering them.

Good luck :)