Dorothy never imagined that she would be transported so far from home when she got sucked up into that tornado. In fact, she, like some people, never even expected to leave her hometown. However, with a global economy and the ease of travel, this is not the case for many. Job transfers, military service, educational opportunities and changes in family needs draw us to different corners of the country or even the world. Three years ago, my husband and I found ourselves traveling across country with three boys, two cats, a dog and all our earthly possessions to make a new home for ourselves in a new city, new state, new region of the country. Having lived thirtysome years in California, neither of us ever dreamed of being so far from home. You can bet we both looked at Toto and wondered, Where are we?
While that famous girl from Kansas found that she could just click her heels together three times, chant a little magic spell and be miraculously transported back to her home town, the rest of us must find other ways to cope with being away from our roots. While our reasons for moving may be different, we as parents face similar challenges in the process of acclimating to a new place and helping our children settle in. How can you make your new town feel more comfortable, more familiar? Here are some suggestions for making the transition a little smoother.
Learn the lay of the land
Purchase a road atlas and take different routes to the store, school, and work. Knowing street names and the locations of major city attractions will help you feel more comfortable about town. When Sheila Howe and her family moved from Omaha to Overland Park a few years ago, she researched the area before they arrived. As she says, I mapped out where the closest grocery stores, pharmacies and other stores were [in relation] to my new home. Having a plan before we actually moved here helped me to feel a little more in control.
Explore the sights
Here in the Kansas City area there is a wealth of historic and educational attractions to entertain the entire family. Lisa Mesquit, mother of four, is becoming an expert at moving as her husbands military service takes them to new places every few years. Upon moving to Leavenworth, the Mesquits familiarized themselves with some of the sights of the metro area. Lisa comments, We love to go to Crown Center and Union Station with our kids. These are top notch places unique to Kansas City. Finding the good BBQ places and visiting the fountains at the Plaza made us feel at home.
Its true that theres quite a lot to do in KC. Over the years my own family has toured Union Station, learned new scientific facts at Science City, fed the ducks at Deanna Rose Farmstead, hiked the paths at Ernie Miller Nature Center, enjoyed the beauty of English Landing Park, traveled to new places at Wonderscope, enjoyed the restaurants and shops at the Plaza, talked with the animals at the KC Zoo, taken in a show at the Starlight Theater, walked back in time at the Arabia Steamboat Museum, and learned the history of KC cattle and rodeo at the American Royal Rodeo Museum. And we havent even explored all that there is to see and do here! The KC Parent Calendar of Events is full of fun things to do about town. You can also check out ExperienceKC.com for more ideas. The book, Shifra Steins A Kids Guide to Kansas City by Diana Lambdin Meyer is a great portable resource. You are sure to find something to interest everyone in your family in Kansas City.
Enjoy some good eatin
In his book American Fried: Adventures of a Happy Eater, food writer Calvin Trillin says, The best restaurants in the world are, of course, in Kansas City. Not all of them; only the top four or five. He goes on to wax eloquent about delicious meals hes eaten in his hometown, Kansas City, of course. Reading that book prompted our family to check out the famous Arthur Bryants and we can testify that there are some mighty fine ribs to be had there. Known to some as the BBQ Capital, KC hosts a number of great BBQ joints to try: KC Masterpiece, Zardas, Fiorellas Jack Stack, and Haywards Pit -- just to name a few.
But if barbecues not your thing, there are plenty of other local restaurants to make your special hangout. Fritzs Railroad Restaurant is a unique local place, sure to be a hit with kids, parents, and grandparents alike. Be sure to check out KC Parents Kids Eat Free Guide for some great places to try. Consider purchasing a local entertainment coupon book as an inexpensive way to try a variety of different places. Thats how our family discovered LePeep which has become our very favorite for Saturday breakfasts.
Meet your neighbors
While it can be difficult to meet new people, make an effort to get to know those that live closest to you. When the McDowells moved from Texas to Parkville, they were blessed with an incredible realtor who not only found us a house, but a community that would fit our lifestyle. He happened to be friends with many of the people in the neighborhood and arranged for us to all get together for a big BBQ and bonfire. While you may not get that same service in your realtor, youll find that with a little effort, you can enjoy some camaraderie with your neighbors. Our street is dotted with families from St. Louis, Jefferson City, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, and California. The neighborhood has been blessed by different families planning Christmas caroling, housewarming parties, and summertime playdays. Just standing out front chatting while the kids play has been opportunity enough to get to know one another.
Join a local community of fellow believers
Being the new kid on the block can be rough. A great way to combat that is to find others with similar values and beliefs. Shari Jones who moved to Belton from Phoenix two years ago, comments, There is a sense of community found in a church that helps take away that lonesome, island feeling of knowing nobody in a new town. Sheila Howe has had a similar experience, We found a church to call home very shortly after moving here. That has been a tremendous help in feeling part of the community and not feeling lost. It makes a huge difference in feeling settled to know that you have people to care for you.
Become involved in the community
Whether it is visiting the library every week, joining a youth soccer team, volunteering at your kids school, joining the local homeschool association, becoming a member at the YMCA, attending MOPS meetings, or serving at the local soup kitchen, participation in local activities is a great way to meet people and invest in your new town.
Theres no place like home
No matter what you do, if you love your hometown, it will be hard to beat. So, try not to compare and instead, enjoy where you are for the moment. As Michal McDowell reflects, We do not have Union Station in Texas, or T-Rex Caf. We have taken advantage of living in the Midwest. When fall comes we rake leaves joyfully and jump into the piles mom and dad, too. When the snows come, the whole family slides in the ice, and have snowball fights, and build snowmen. Every season has something new and fun for us to experience!
What an apt description of life in a new city as well as life as a parent! Make the most of the time you have. You never know when the winds of change might sweep you off to a new locale. So savor the moments, explore KC with your family, and enjoy the unique opportunities that this city has to offer.
Jessica and her husband live in Olathe, their home away from home, where they enjoy raising their five children.