No matter your age, relocating to a new place usually means leaving your friends behind. Â For kids, leaving their friends behind can be even harder with the worry that they won’t be able to make new ones in their new school or neighborhood. However, local moving companies in North York has some tips on how to help kids adapt to a move and the changes it brings by helping them make new friends.
1. Show them Around their New School
Once you’ve found their new school, ensure you take them to see it before their first day and make arrangements for a classmate to show them around.
Once your child gets familiar with one child in their new school, it will help them make other friends – many a time it’s that first friend that is the most challenging one to make.
2. Sign Them Up for Local Activities
Despite what your child likes to indulge in, a club or team for them to join can be found at the new school or neighborhood. Try signing them up right after moving to the family-friendly community of North York as having them do the things they love will not only help them settle but also find and make new friends with whom they share a mutual interest.
3. Host a Get-together with Other Parents
A housewarming party or quiet get-together with other parents will help you make new friends and encourage your kids to do the same. Â Engage in conversation with parents of your child’s classmates and those in your new neighborhood to make sure there will be a group of children large enough for some fun games and activities.
4. Encourage Play Dates
Inquire from your child about their new classmates and with whom they’d like to have a play date. Â Play dates are an excellent way for your child to spend their time outside of school with new friends they’ve made and also help you connect with other parents. Â They also allow your child to spend time at other kids’ homes which can help them adapt to their new neighborhood or town.
However, ensure you don’t make them do something they’re not yet comfortable doing. Â Begin with hosting the play dates at your new place until your child feels ready to go to a new pal’s home.
5. Be a Good Role Model
Remember you’ve also left friends behind, so make sure you set a good example for your children. Showing your kids that you also need to make new friends will inspire them to follow suit. Â Whether you make friends at your new workplace or through your child’s school and other activities you enjoy, ensure your child understands the importance of these relationships and that you’re also making an effort to make new friends.
6. Talk to Your Kids but Don’t Push
It’s crucial that kids know that they can approach you about any issues they’re experiencing in making new friends but at the same time don’t feel pushed. Â It’s a delicate balance between encouraging and pushing so ensure your kids know that you understand how hard it’s been to leave good friendships behind and to build new ones. Â Encourage them to stay in touch with the friends they left behind but also provide them with the right opportunities to make new ones. Â Just remember that your child needs to choose their new friends and all you can do is support their decisions.