My husband is being relocated out of state, and our kids are excited about going but also very upset about moving away from their friends. We're moving from Texas to Kansas, so it's pretty far from "home", and visits back will be few and far between. Any suggestions on how to help them keep in touch with their old friends and still help them make new ones?
Some ideas I've thought of:
We're starting an address book to get addresses, phone numbers, and email adresses. I think they'll enjoy the idea of having pen-pals.
Also, two of my kids have birthdays in September. I thought we could make their birthday parties "get-to-know-you" parties with their new classmates.
I'd love to hear success stories as well...
2006-07-14 05:07:36 · 5 answers · asked by browneyedgirl 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
I think you're ideas are good. I'm a teacher and every year I get a few new kids from out of state in my classroom.
Yes, moving out of state is emotionally difficult for kids. Even so, I think they adjust much better than parents expect. The whole idea of writing letters and sending e-mails and calling on the phone is wonderful, but it seldom happens. Kids usually make new friends and, while they don't forget about their old home, they're simply too busy to follow up on all the promises of writing letters and whatnot.
A scrapbook is an especially good idea and I bet the kids appreciate it even more whan they grow up. By all means make birthday parties a "get-to-know-us" party. This will give the child even more opportunities to make new friends.
What's even more important than focusing on the memories of the old home is helping children adapt to their new home. Be sure to spend time with them exploring the town. Be sure they meet the kids in your new neighborhood. Be sure someone at their new school gives them a tour before they begin.
Be sure to sound excited yourself. Say things like: "Wow... our new town will have a ____." "Look at the ____." "I can't wait to see the ____." "Our new neighborhood has lots of kids to play with!" Dont dwell on what they're missing from home. Try not to emphasize the negatives of the new town.
Most kids are optimists and become excited about their new home and adapt well. Good luck with your move.
2006-07-16 19:09:11 · answer #1 · answered by TumbleTim 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
where in kansas? i was born and lived in leavenworth kansas until i was 16 and my husband lived there every summer until he was 19. my husband is navy and we have moved from georgia, where our first son was born and where we got married and he joined up, to new mexico. me and our son stayed in new mexico while my husband was in boot camp. then from there we moved to pensacola florida, then to biloxi mississippi. then finally where we are now jacksonville florida. this was all in a span of 5 years. during my husbands deployment we stayed in new mexico again where our second son was born, then back to jacksonville. they are now 2 1/2 and 5 years old.
it is hard moving. because my boys are young they really haven't left anyone behind, but it is still hard. before you move buy each of your childrens close friends a one use camera and a cheap stationery and pen/pencil set. this way over the next few days before and after you leave many pictures can be taken to be sent to you at your new address. e-mail is great, but letters are more personal. i think the suggestion from you second answer, about the webcam, was great and your ideas are wonderful. i think the birthday party idea is nifty for your new home. don't forget to keep up with your friends.
good luck!
2006-07-14 13:31:35 · answer #2 · answered by bcdhowell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start a family '360 blog' on Yahoo and start it from the day you leave. Each member of the family can have input and the adventures and problems, if any, will make interesting reading by your friends. The blog is also open for comments for replies. You can also add photographs. Not only will it give the children something to do but it will be a wonderful record for years to come. I hope you have a wonderful time and settle peacefully.
2006-07-14 12:17:04 · answer #3 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have not made any huge moves like that. But my suggestions would be make a scrap book of your kids having fun with their friends. Also get a web-cam so your kids and "see" their friends and talk daily via computer. But please if you do the web-cam thing, make sure you have it put away when you are not home. You don't need any other problems from it. Also have them make each other a home movie to send to each other monthly or so. That way they can see new friends and maybe get new long distance friendships going! Good luck!
2006-07-14 12:12:28 · answer #4 · answered by mom_of_4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We recently moved as well. Kids are resilient and make new friends fast and easily usually.
2006-07-14 12:12:16 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋