Today's Dick and Jane can plan for a move in ways unforeseen by previous generations. The Internet can be an important tool for parents and children, allowing them to visit the virtual world of their new community. They can experience its classrooms, malls, and town pools, all from their bedroom in the next state or across the country. According to Pearson Education, 66 percent of children ages five to nine are already online playing games. So, while Mom and Dad are reviewing contracts or closing on a mortgage, why not have Dick and Jane explore their new city or town via its website?

If you live in one of several Northeastern states, or specifically the Detroit suburbs, American Towns can bring your children exciting information about local activities. For older children, City Search offers a chance to surf through local events and they can even find upcoming music concerts in the area via the "events" tab.

Across the country, towns typically have websites with links to their schools. Many schools even include links to specific grade levels, with links to a teacher's classroom website and further links to class projects. For example, if you knew you were moving to Shawnee, Kansas, from the city website, your child could link to Clear Creek Elementary, click the link to "classrooms" and then the "second grade," and your child could get a preview of Mrs. Traylor's class, including specific information on the teacher (This is her 16th year in the school district).

Most school sites have a link to their PTA, where you can find names and email addresses for members of the "New Family Outreach," or similarly named committees. In some towns, these committees assign "buddies" to email new students and answer their questions. School websites may even have a link to the monthly lunch menu. If you're moving to Quaker Ridge Elementary in Scarsdale, New York, your child could order California sushi rolls every Tuesday or Thursday for lunch (seriously!)

The most comprehensive listing of local activities can often be found on the local area library's website. Your child can click on links, such as "community organizations" or "youth," and find out about local activities, whether they are baseball, softball, soccer, or Boy Scouts.

Older children can be even more involved in the move while online. According to Grunwald Associates, 44 percent of 13-17 year olds are so involved in the Internet that they build their own websites. If your's already has one, he can add components that map his new home zone, via sites such as MapQuest, and MapBlast.com.

Don't forget to tap into the Internet, this endless resource, when relocating your family.

Margo Rudman Gold is a freelance writer who specializes in food, family and parenting issues. She is based out of Chappaqua, New York, and can be reached at mrudmangold@optonline.net .

Published: May 20, 2005

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