Thinking of moving during the school year? Discover our guide to making a move during the school year easier, the advantages and disadvantages and our tips for managing a move during the year.

The advantages and disadvantages of moving for a child

Moving during the school year has its advantages and disadvantages. Moving for a child can be a great adventure. If it can have a psychological impact and raise fears, there are many things to value to see the positive in a move during the school year.

The possible psychological impact of a move on a child

Moving during the school year can have a psychological impact on a child. Moving often implies a loss of his or her usual reference points since your child is changing environment. This is why the move can become a period of anxiety for your child and questions may arise: Why are we moving? Where are we moving to? Moving means imagining living in a new space, and such a concept is too abstract for a child whose development is in full swing. Therefore, while we should not underestimate the psychological impact that a move has on a child, it is perfectly normal for them to feel anxiety.

Positive aspects to emphasize to your child when moving

However, moving during the school year does not necessarily mean stress and negative psychological impact: it is important to emphasize the positive aspects of the move to your child. Emphasizing the positive aspects of the move can help your children to better apprehend this change.

For example:

• Moving to another apartment will be an opportunity to have a more comfortable room with more space to play

• Moving to an urban area will allow for more opportunities to go out to see shows or play sports outside of school

Take into account any fears your children may have and try to find a positive way of looking at things so that they look forward to moving with you! Find more tips on preparing a child for a move here.

How to best manage a move during the school year

Changing schools during the school year is a major challenge. Indeed, your child will be confronted with an upheaval of reference points in his school environment, with his friends... a form of separation that will be out of the ordinary. To anticipate this change, we recommend planning and discussing it with your child as early as possible so that he or she can prepare as well as possible. Discussing it with the teaching staff as soon as your decision is made can also be a way to ensure a smooth move. The teaching staff can set up a transition to allow your child to make the move during the school year.

Involve your child in the move

Always take the time to talk with your children. Explain why you are moving during the school year and observe their reactions. Involving your child in the move is a good way to ease the transition: for example, it will allow him to ask questions. More generally, it's always a good idea to show your child what moving means. Reading books about people who are moving, showing them how to pack boxes or visiting your future home with your child will give them the feeling of being part of this change.

Don't hesitate to make the move fun. For example, moving to a different house will allow you to rethink the decorating and your children may be able to choose a new wallpaper for their bedroom walls.

Facilitate the integration of your child in his/her new school during the school year

If possible, allow your child to say goodbye to old friends. For example, you can plan a pre-holiday party to celebrate your child's departure and say goodbye to his or her friends before you move.

As your child settles into his new school, he will need to be listened to: new landmarks, spaces and people will be part of his daily life. The transition period may be difficult: he may miss his old school or group of friends. Take the opportunity to invite his classmates for a snack: it could be a way to show him that it is possible to make new friends.

Another idea would be to enroll your child in the activities offered by the school (extracurricular activities) so that your child feels completely integrated into the life of his new school.

What are the administrative steps to take when changing schools?

When changing schools, remember to contact your city hall if your child is in public school. If you are moving to a private school, especially if your child attends a bilingual private school, the procedures are different and vary from case to case.

We hope that this article has been helpful to you in your move. If your child is having trouble socializing due to the move, find our other tips here.