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Moving In the Middle of a School Year
By Ann Smith,
Broker
You’ve accepted a job
transfer to a town too far away to commute. It’s a fabulous opportunity and
you’re thrilled…but the timing is not perfect as your children will have to
change schools in the middle of year. How and what can you do to make the
transition as smooth as possible for the students in your family?
Here are some ideas that will help:
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Realtors in both the
new area and the one you are leaving can be a wealth of information. Talk
to them about your concerns.
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Go online and see what
schools and/or other educational institutions are in the area. If the
school doesn’t have the programs you’re looking for there may be other
options in the community.
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Make an appointment to
visit the school board to find out what options are available; e.g.,
which schools specialize in sports, the Arts, helping gifted children or
ones with special needs.
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Enrol your child as
early as possible.
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Check to see if the
new school uses the same curriculum as the prior school used, and if so,
that the schedules are aligned.
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Visit the actual
school your children are likely to attend to get a feel for the
atmosphere.
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Speak to the teachers
who will be teaching your children; teachers may see signs of stress more
readily than parents.
For the children:
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Stay positive and
upbeat about the move — this will reflect the kids even if they are
feeling resentful; apologizing does not help them accept this is a fact
of life.
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Get them involved in
the move from the get go and all the way through the process. Perhaps
they can choose new décor for their room or to keep it the same for
comfort.
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Show them the things
that are similar to the previous location.
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Explain how they can
keep in touch with their old friends and how they can get involved to
make new friends.
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Make sure their room
is the first one to be set up, or at least their bed.
Moving can be a
double-edge coin for children: established friends...known school and
teachers...familiar neighbourhoods — versus — a new home...fresh
surroundings...a chance to create a new life/persona.
How you, as parents, handle the move and subsequent change will set the
tone for the entire family. Keeping all members involved throughout the
process goes a long way to allowing them to voice their concerns and accept
the changes more easily.
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Ann
Smith, Broker
Your Real
Estate Consultant…For Life! |
