4 Top Tips for Moving During the Middle of the School Year

Moving can be a stressful yet exciting time—and this remains true for adults and children. Many families plan to move during the summer to avoid transitioning their children to a new school during the middle of the academic year. However, this sometimes isn’t possible.

If you are moving during the school year, there are some steps you can take to ease the transition for yourself and your little one.

1. Talk About It and Encourage Questions

Start with an open conversation about your plans for the move, when it will happen, and how it will affect them. Depending on your child’s age, you may need to explain that they will be attending a new school with new friends and teachers. This can bring up many emotions, and they may not all come through at once, so be sure to encourage questions and remind your child that you’re available to talk about the move anytime.

2. Find the Right School in Your New City

If you still need to do so, take the time to research school options in your new city. Find out which school your new home is zoned for and learn as much as possible about it if your child attends public school. If you’ll be sending your child to a private school or other facility, narrow down your options and make sure your chosen school has availability for the time your child will be starting.

Schedule an in-person visit with your child at the school before they start attending. This can be a great way to familiarize your child with the building, teachers, and staff while allowing you to ask questions.

3. Give Your Child Some Closure

Moving to a new school district means saying “goodbye” to friends and teachers. Depending on how far you’re moving, it may be difficult for your child to see these people again. With this in mind, closure is essential. Consider setting up a farewell party or other special play date that gives your child a chance to spend time with their favorite people before the move. Consider sitting down with your child and making a scrapbook or slideshow of memories from their current school, so they have something to look back on.

4. Find Ways to Keep in Touch

Even if distance will make it difficult for your child to see their old school friends after the move, technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch. Collect contact information for school friends and try to schedule occasional video chats or phone calls. This can be a great way to maintain those relationships, even as your child goes on to make new friends.

The Final Word on Moving During the School Year

Relocating during the academic year can be stressful for you and your kids, but with the proper preparation and a little effort, you can ease the transition for your child. From there, it won’t be long before your little one makes new friends and settles right in!

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