New School Districts with Kids

Switching to A New School Districts With Kids

Making a big move can be stressful on the whole family, especially if you have school-aged children transitioning into a new school district. If you’re planning on making a big move, consider these helpful tips from the pros on how to make the switch as smooth as possible:

1. Sensitivity is important. Since children spend the majority of their day in school, this is a major change. In order to provide your kids adequate time to prepare, talk to your children as early as possible and listen to their fears and concerns. It’s natural for children to experience a “grieving” process.

2. Get them involved! Empowering your child to make choices about the new home and area is likely to get them excited about their new home. Ask your kids about any features they’d love in a new home (maybe a big backyard, a pool, room for a basketball hoop in the driveway), and consider taking them with you on tours of potential homes. You can also ask for input about the decor of their new bedroom. Click here for HGTV’s affordable kids room ideas!

new school district

Your Kids will love the freedom to decorate and design their new room! Keep your budget in check with HGTV’s affordable room ideas in the link above. Image via projectnursery.com

3. Plan a Goodbye Party. When it’s actually time to move, consider hosting a goodbye party for your children and their friends, neighbors, and nearby relatives. Make a scrapbook with photos, and be sure to have everyone’s address, phone number, and e-mail.

Keep in touch with guidance counselors. Be sure to contact both old and new guidance counselors as soon as you know that you’ll be moving, as it takes time to prepare and transfer all transcripts and records. If possible, consider asking the new guidance counselor to provide you and your child with a tour of the new school well in advance of moving. Guidance counselors may be able to help set up a few friendly students to sit with your child at lunch and introduce them to others.

Additionally, after the move, you may want to check up with your guidance counselor periodically to ensure a smooth transition.