As a child, I switched schools quite often.  My parents worked hard to prepare us for changing schools. They did everything they could to make the transition easy for us and all of my changes went well. I grew up appreciating the opportunity to live so many places and to meet so many new people.

As an adult, my job has required for me to move quite a bit as well and my kids feel like they are constantly changing schools.   Like my parents, I've tried to prepare my kids as much as possible so the transition is smooth for them.  So far, they've adjusted to all of their new schools quite well and have made friends easily.  

If your kids will be changing schools, here are some tips that will hopefully help you to prepare them for this major change:

~ Be open with them about your potential move.  Involve them as much as possible. I've always asked my kids opinions about moving - even if I have to move regardless of their wishes. They understand that we are the final authority and that we make all of our decisions with their best interest at heart. 

~ Engage Your Children in Decisions.  If possible, take your children to your new neighborhood before you move. Allow them to help choose your new home & take them to see their new school.  If you know you are moving when school is still in session, see if they can visit for a day or a half a day before enrolling and starting them at school. 

~ Always attempt to move in the summer. Changing schools is much easier at the beginning of a school year, so try to make your moves during the summer months if possible. 

~ Arrange for a time for your child to visit the school before they attend. Even if you arrive at your new home in the summer months, contact the school to arrange for a tour. Make sure that your child is able to meet the office staff, the principal, and their teacher if possible.  During the tour, make sure that you child knows where his classroom is, and where other important places in the school are - such as the cafeteria, restrooms, office, etc. Knowing where things are will help your child feel in control. 

~ Try to arrange for your child to meet other children from the school before they start, if possible. This can be difficult, as schools can't necessarily just pass out names and phone numbers of all of their students. However, almost every school that my children have attended has been happy to help me get in touch with other families with children in the same grades as mine before school begins.  Some schools have families that volunteer to be hosts for new families and the school was able to put me in touch with those people. In other instances, the principal has been willing to get in touch with families who had children in the same grades as mine. You can also find local families by getting involved in the community before school begins.  Look for local sports leagues, go to the park, get a membership at the YMCA, etc. 

~ Address concerns immediately. One of the hardest things about changing schools for my children has been learning all of the new expectations which are always different. If your child seems to be confused about expectations or is not performing as well as they normally do, talk to their teacher immediately. Your child may simply not be performing as well as they normally do because they don't know what they are supposed to do. 

~ Watch for changes in your child. No matter how much you talk to your children, there may be things that they won't tell you. Watch them closely for changes that may alert you to issues at their new school.