Children’s Issues Related To Moving & Relocating

“Relocating With Children” by Beverly D. Roman

23% of children who move frequently repeat a grade vs. 12% of children who never or infrequently move. 18% of children who move frequently have four or more behavioral problems vs. 7% of children who never or infrequently move. – The Journal of the American Medical Association, September 1993. Collected from a study on almost 10,000 children aged 6 to 17.

We relocated numerous times with children; in fact, one of our children attended ten schools by the time he was 15 years old. Even when moving internationally, our relocation planning began with finding a school followed by selecting a home. Families who move often, especially those who move globally, are most concerned with educational transition. Indeed, this concern is one of the primary reasons relocations are refused. Even when returning “home,” families need to evaluate school choices. This article suggests school selection criteria, as well as other concerns for relocating children.

School Evaluation

Significant issues to consider when school shopping include values and philosophies, atmosphere, parent-school communication, opportunities for parental involvement, available counseling, teacher-student ratio, school size, location and transportation convenience. Parents should take a list of their children’s courses of study and be able to discuss their educational goals when visiting schools.

Plan To Take Along

• name, address and contact numbers for the former school;
• school records, achievement tests, transcripts;
• list of text books, primers and study materials.

School Considerations

• accreditation rating
• administration and faculty (experience and background)
• academic programs of study
• language instruction
• standardized test scores, amount of university placements and national enrollments
• colleges and universities that graduates are attending school requirements
• library resources
• classroom computers
• extra-curricular activities, such as theater and creative groups, school publications and sports programs

Boarding Schools

If boarding schools are an option, parents will want to consider the following details, plus whatever points are relevant to their situation.

• location and convenience
• daily school regimen
• academic schedule
• study requirements
• type of discipline
• meal schedule and diet
• type of leisure activities and supervision for on- and off-campus activities
• available transportation
• curfew guidelines
• amount of free time
• students’ financial limitations and how to access funds for emergency needs
• the allowable number of trips home
• procedures for routine and emergency issues, including medical care and dialing procedures for emergency, police, fire and ambulance services

Safety Factors

Children need to understand the safety levels in any community, even it they lived there before, as well as their school’s rules and regulations. I suggest that parents develop and regularly update a file for their children that contains identification numbers, weight, height, nicknames, distinguishing features, photos and personal details. Children should carry personal identification in an appropriately concealed way and be taught the safety issues outlined below.

• safety policy for school hours and after-school activities
• rules and regulations for playground activities, and ways to deal with strangers
• parents’ names, telephone numbers and who to contact in case of an emergency
• their bus or train number and safe streets to travel to and from school
• wait until a bus comes to a complete stop before entering or exiting
• enter and exit cars only at a close/safe area near the school

Emotional Factors

No matter how a child reacted to change in the previous location, parents should not assume it will be the same in the new community. Listen carefully to each child’s concerns and address them in a way that fits their ages and personalities. Any combination of the following signs can indicate a child may be struggling:

• sudden reading difficulties;
• changes in attention span or study habits;
• weight loss or gain;
• altered enthusiasm or energy levels;
• strained relationships with parents, siblings or friends;
• disturbed sleep patterns.

How Can Parents Help?

• Encourage children to stay in contact with former friends and family by exchanging pictures and correspondence.
• Establish an e-mail account to make it easy to contact friends from a distance.
• Purchase pre-paid telephone cards for children.
• If practical, encourage exchange visits between friends during holidays or long weekends.
• Discuss school and personal issues often and openly.
• Periodically visit the school(s) and meet with the teachers.
• Seek counseling if a child seems overly distressed for more than three months.

The Final Chapter

Children who move often, and especially between countries, need to be able to blend curriculums and courses to maintain the appropriate educational direction. However, it is just as important to stay abreast of how children are adjusting in the new location. In addition to school evaluation, children should understand safety precautions and have continuity in their lives. Children need the stability and comfort of established routines, especially during the throes of a move. They should have the same rules, bed times, meal times, allowances and expectations for homework and responsibilities. No matter what children’s ages, if they learn to deal with change in a positive way, it can be a growth enhancing and expansive personal experience.

© BR Anchor Publishing. (reprinted with permission of Beverly Roman)

Beverly D. Roman is the author of 20 relocation books. Her books cover domestic and international relocation for adults, teenagers, preteens and young children. www.branchor.com.