Discover your new neighborhood

Moving can be a huge upheaval for adults as well as children: new surroundings, new routines, new friends. According to several studies, moving is the third most stressful event after mourning and job loss. If you have moved recently, here are a few tips to help you adapt to your new surroundings.

Municipal websites and local newspapers (check the Royal Examiner first) can’t be beaten as ways of finding out all you need to know about all the services and activities on offer, such as swimming pool and library opening hours, summer festival programs, and sports and cultural facilities.

Next, visit the downtown area on foot, where you’ll find places to shops, cafés, and restaurants. Chatting with people at these places can open up many possibilities. Another good idea is to spend some time discovering the broader area on a bicycle or on the trolley.

Get to know your neighbors by inviting them for a housewarming party. This kind of get-together, big or small, will allow your children to feel more at ease in their new surroundings, and your new neighbors will certainly appreciate this type of thoughtfulness.

Finally, as school starts, look for clubs that your children may be interested in joining. This will allow them to make friends and fit in more quickly. See if neighbors can put your children in touch with others in the area with whom they can walk to school.