Moving with children is not an easy task since it needs one to work around busy school schedules and extracurricular activities. The key to an interruption-free education and daily routine of children is planning and organization, which again makes for a smooth transition of the whole family. Following are the key strategies to help you manage your move around your children’s school schedules and activities.
TheIdeal Time of Year to Move
Speaking from a child’s point of view, one of the most vital things in moving is timing. Summer break is said to be the best time for moving, as it lessens the interruption of your child’s studies. Without the stress of homework and regular school hours, summer allows families to pack, move, and settle into their new home before the new school year begins. If your move needs to happen mid-year, there are some ways to manage it effectively.
When transitioning during the middle of the year, however, try to arrange the transition during natural breaks in the school year, such as over long weekends or holidays. This helps your child adjust to a new school or classroom without losing momentum in their learning.
Early Communication with Schools
Once you have a moving date, let both your child’s current school and new school know as early as possible. This also will help teachers and other staff support the transition by sending along records, suggesting strategies to help your child get settled, or simply paving the way for a smooth transfer of school-related paperwork.
Some even allow your child to complete a semester or year remotely if you are relocating to a faraway place, but wish to minimize disruption in the current academic year. By giving yourself time through early communication, you can start assessing options that best work for your child’s academic success.
Arrange Extracurricular Activities
If there are kids involved in sports, the arts, or other activities, relocation can be really overwhelming. To make this transition easier, consider how the relocation might change their after school schedule and when possible, try to keep some things consistent. For example, if your child plays on a team or in a club, find out if they can stay in the team or club while you are transitioning. Or find a similar activity in your new location in advance so there isn’t as big of a gap in participation.
Keep in mind that most extracurricular activities involve very close friendships, and maintaining those relationships to the extent possible will help with the emotional adjustment of your child to the move. Sometimes just letting them know they can continue in certain hobbies or sports in their new location eases a little anxiety.
Involve Your Children in the Process
In this way, it will make them feel more in control, and less anxious about the move, since they will also be involved in the planning and packing. It could be anything from packing their belongings themselves to helping you with organizing the school supplies-the feeling of being a part of the move makes it much less intimidating.
Also, involve them in finding a new school. Looking at new schools, meeting their future teachers, and taking them around the new neighborhood before actually making the move will make it easier on them. That way, children can visualize themselves in the new environment, which decreases the uncertainty.
Create a Designated Place for Homework
Establish a quiet room in the house designated only for your child to do his homework. This will help him get into the school routine quicker than he would otherwise. The room should be quiet, free of distractions, and have all of the school supplies needed. Continuation of this familiar environment ensures that their educational habits remain intact while they get used to their new surroundings.
Utilize Moving Companies for Added Support
Balancing a move with school schedules and activities can be extremely stressful. By hiring movers, you can take a lot of that stress off of your plate. By outsourcing the heavy lifting, packing, and transportation, you’ll be better able to help your children maintain their usual routines. Many moving companies can also offer flexible scheduling options, allowing you to time the move around school hours and activity schedules.
Plan Moving Day Carefully
Moving days can get pretty crazy, so trying to plan it around school hours or on the weekends can spare your child of unnecessary stress. Try to get the heavy lifting and transportation taken care of while he’s at school, if possible, so he can stick to his routine and you can handle the move without distractions.
Consider hiring childcare for younger children or those who might get too stressed during the move, by asking a friend or relative if they can stay with them during the most chaotic part of the day. In that way, you will be free to attend to logistics while they are in an environment that is both familiar and calm.
Conclusion
It might seem that moving house, along with handling school schedules and activities, is an overwhelmingly daunting prospect; however, close attention to planning and organization can minimize disruptions.
Timing your move, keeping in close contact with schools, planning extracurricular activities, and enlisting your children into the effort can all ease things for everyone. The key to a successful move is in striking a balance between your family’s routine and the demands of relocation to avoid your children falling behind academically or socially during such a big life change.
