Just Found Out We Are Moving Out of State

Hi A.,
I'm not too far from you. I'm a 38yr. old mother of a 4yr. old.
But back when I was in middle school and my older brother was a freshman we moved from the county schools to Marietta City school. We moved at the end of a year. So, my mom checked with the school and made sure I could try out for cheerleading which is what I loved to do. So, I started out the next year already involved in something that I liked. My brother liked his new school as well. For the most part, people were really nice to us. Maybe you could talk to the school ahead and find out about things that your kids might be interested in.
Good luck!
K. - Marietta,GA

A.-
Moving is pretty stressful for everyone, but it's always for a good reason. (Why else would you do it, right?) We moved several times when I was a child. My mom was stay-at-home, and it was simply to to get a better job for my dad each time. The most stressful move for me was when the move was mid-year of my junior year in high school from Ohio to Georgia. (We had been in Ohio since I was in 4th grade.) I acted out big before the move...was not happy about it at all. Grades declined and I was quite emotional. I think some extra time spent as a family talking about the reasons behind a move and just spending additional time listening to each other would've been a great help. After we moved, I straightened up right away, and my sister and I became better friends than other...we didn't have anyone else, at first :) I think the apprehension and build-up of leaving was the worst part in my mind. Again...where additional time spent talking or venting about it to one another would have been helpful. Just doing your best to talk and relate to one another before and after the move is the best advice I can think to give. It's still going to be stressful and there will still be tears, and that's ok! But just so long as everyone one knows that you're all in it together and it's for the greater good.
Best of luck to you!
T. G

Children (including teenagers) are much more resilient than any of us (or they) think. I moved every two to three years as a child (my dad was in the Air Force). I was excited about each move and adjusted well. The summer before my 7th grade year my dad got out of the Air Force and we moved to California 'where we would stay forever.' At the end of my 9th grade year I was told we were moving to Georgia. I pitched a fit. I thought things could only go down hill. My dad, being a very perceptive man, told me he thought this move would benefit me even more than anyone else in the family (although he was doing it because of employment changes). He was absolutely right. My first week in Georgia I met a girl who became my very best friend. I found more and deeper friendships here than I ever had any other place we lived. I got great teachers in school and met my future husband the year after we moved here (11th grade). I have become so at home in Georgia that I can't imagine ever living anywhere else.
My point is not about Georgia but about things working out for the best. Anxiety over a move is normal, but things will most likely turn out better than you can imagine. Even if things are challenging at first, that is how we grow. I am very grateful that I was exposed to different places and situations as a child and teenager. It has helped me have a broader perspective and be more well rounded.
I suggest you respect your children's concerns (as my dad did when I was throwing my 15 year old tantrums over the move) but keep a VERY positive outlook (especially in front of them) and help them imagine all of the things that can go right and be wonderful in the new place.

Good luck!

I have only moved as an adult. However, I did have a difficult time in school without moving. I can't even imagine. I may not have much to advise, but... why don't you try checking out the local activities, schools,swim teams, sports, etc. before you even move. Maybe take the kids on a weekend trip once you find out some things to help them get involved. Let them see the high points of where they will be moving. Let them meet some new friends so they can talk on the phone (girls)and they can e-mail until they actually get there. Hope this helps.

Hi A.,

Here are some sites that I've given to clients (I'm a Realtor...shameless plug :) when they need advice on this topic:

http://www.moversdirectory.com/during_the_move.html

http://www.moving.com/living_and_shopping/LAS_Article/Chi...

http://www.123movers.com/guides/movingyourfamilytips.asp

http://relocatecanada.com/psychology.html

I hope this helps!

If you haven't already chosen a Realtor to assist you in your move I'd love the opportunity to meet with you.

My best,
L.