Moving
After all the excitement of finding the perfect home comes the chore of packing and unpacking. Certainly at the bottom of everyone’s list of favorites, moving can be stressful for the whole family; especially when the move means your kids will be attending a new school. We thought it would be helpful to talk about things you can do to make the transition to a new neighborhood & school easier for the younger members of your family.
Saying Good Bye
The absolute best thing you can do for your kids to remain as positive as possible about the move! When you have a bunch of kids grumbling about leaving their friends behind, this will be easier said than done, but it is important that you stay focused on all the good things that lead you to this home and neighborhood in the first place. Remind them at every opportunity that this move will be great for the whole family. Beyond that, here are a few more practical tips:
- Prepare for the move by helping them know what to expect. Mark a family calendar with a packing start date and moving day.
- Provide packing supplies for them so that if they are old enough, they can do some of the packing on their own. This will give them something they can be in charge of so they feel less helpless.
- Help them make a memory book of your current home. Take photos, press leaves from trees, get neighbors to sign messages.
- Throw a going away party. Give your kids time to say goodbye to their friends.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
After you have helped them make peace with leaving home, it is time to help make their new space feel welcome. Do your best to set a good example, kids look to their parents to help them model their behavior so it is important that you get out and meet new people. Greeting neighbors and heading to church or a local community center are great places to start. More tips that can help:
- If possible, take a tour of the new house and neighborhood prior to the move date.
- Give them input in arranging and decorating their new bedroom and/or playroom.
- Try to stick to any regimens or rituals your family has established. Keep bed and wake up times the same as well as keeping meal times consistent.
- Go to the library. Most local libraries have reading groups or clubs for kids and teens. This is a great way for them to make new friends.
- Set up play dates for them with anyone you have met in the neighborhood.
Easing First Day at New School Jitters
You’ve packed, moved and are settling in. Then as the summer comes to a close, it’s time for back to school. The first day of school can produce jitters for anyone; but for kids attending a new school, the anxiety can be even higher. Below are some tips to help your kid’s transition to a new school:
- Drive the route from home to school so your kids will be more familiar with their surroundings.
- Schedule a tour ahead of time. Be sure to locate important areas such as bathrooms and the cafeteria.
- For older kids, walk through their schedule and locate their locker.
- Arrange to meet teachers and other key personnel ahead of time.
- Research fun school activities that would appeal to your child. What clubs and/or sports are there that your child can become involved in?
- Share your first day of school stories and offer how you overcame your fears. It helps your kids to know they are not the only ones to have encountered anxiety when the first day of school approaches.
Our relationship with our customers doesn’t end when the mortgage papers have been signed. Here at Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan we pride ourselves on the hometown feel we have with our customers. If there is any way we can help make the transition to the neighborhood easier on your family, please don’t hesitate to call! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Customer Care at 845-895-2051
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