Expert Advice for GradeSchool
We're moving. How and when do I tell my two Grade Schooler kids? They're very happy in their current school and have lots of friends.
- Tiffany, Salem, MA
Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:
Moving is always a tough and emotional time for everyone. Making the children part of the process will help, though. Sharing the move with them and then letting them be part of choosing the new home and researching the new area will help a great deal. Here are a few ideas:
1) Go to the book store or library to get guides for your new area and let them read through the materials and choose a few activities they'd like to do or places they'd like to see first when the move takes place.
2) Plan fun farewell activities for them to share with their friends along with scrapbooks or photo albums to commemorate the day. Their friends can help them to choose what to put in the books and write messages for them as souvenirs.
3) Work with your childrens' teachers to arrange a time close to moving day when your children can do presentations to their classes to share information about where they will be living.
4) Finally, children take their emotional cues from their parents. If you are positive about the move, chances are good they will be, too.
