Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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Hi. Unfortunately and due to circumstances beyond my control, my marriage is ending and I'm looking for a new town to make a fresh start with my two children. After months of researching, Cary, NC seems to be ideal. My biggest concern is the adjustment for my two children, a boy who will turn 12 during the move and my daughter who is 5 (late birthday) who will start 5 year old kindergarten. I've researched on the web the Wake County school system and online everything looks great. I have been leaning towards an apartment which will zone the kids to Reedy Creek Middle and Reedy Creek Elementary School. My primary concern is for my children as far as them making new friends and adjusting to school. We will be leaving South Carolina (the piedmont area) where my children have lived all of their lives. My kids are really cool, well-behaved and are excellent students-the 12 year old is an “A” student who’s always maintained his grades while participating in recreational sports every year and singing on the church choir. I am 37 years old and currently a case manager/eligibility specialist at the Department of Social Services. I have a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's in Higher Education Administration, so I'm confident that I will be successful in a job search, but I have enough money so that I will not have to jump right into a job immediately. If I do find one, that’s great too, but we should be okay for at least a year if I don’t. I have worked since I was 15 years old in many different types of jobs so I know that if I have to start with something small or part-time that I am capable of doing that. Does anyone know of any type of recreational activities available in Cary that I could get my children involved in during the summer to give them an opportunity to meet other children the same age as them and to make new friends before starting school? I hope that race doesn't matter, but we are African-American and I realize that the African-American population is small in Cary, less than 9% if I remember correctly. Cary seems like a safe place and safety is also one of my major conerns being that it will be a new environment for the three of us. Any advice offered would be greatly appreciated. We plan to officially move in June of this year. Thanks.
I don't live in NC yet so I'm not an expert. But my first thought was to join the Cary YMCA, which I'm told is really great. YMCA's usually have really great programs for kids. Also, Lifetime Fitness Center is a gym (national chain) and they're building one in Cary. We drove by it and it's huge. We belong to one here in AZ and they're FABULOUS for everyone - adults and kids of all ages! They have a ton of kids' programs and lessons, they do "camps" during school breaks, parents' night out evenings, etc. I can't say enough good things about it. It's truly a family gym in that they have something for all ages. The child care center is wonderful too.
Also, depending on where the kids go to school, they may be on a year round calendar, in which case they'd start school right away.
I'm sorry you're going through a divorce and wish you lots of luck starting your new life.
I'm wondering if counseling is covered by insurance. It might be worth checking out considering the divorce, the big move and overall transition. As far as race, you might want to check out some of the other threads here on the board including this one:
Address the issue of race should it ever become an issue. But overall, try to remove the thought of such things from your psyche and embrace life with great zest, you'll find that to be the most infectious approach that people will reciprocate. Good people attract good people.
As for children activity, this is best left for others here on the board. Many here who will funnel in. Keep tabs on the thread.
Good luck in your move. Have fun. And enjoy the time not working to acclimate to your new surroundings. It makes a big difference if you can afford it.
Leigh usually recommends trianglemommies.com as a great support network for moms in the area, probably worrth checking out.
Also, Carolina Parent is online, www.carolinaparent.com, and they have a calendar of events that was great when we first relocated here. You can pick up the free publication at most supermarkets and libraries, too.
I second the motion to consider the Y - the programs are fantastic, and they offer before and after school care as well, which is discounted if you're a member. You can see all the different programs at the website: http://www.ymcatriangle.org/home.aspx
Leigh usually recommends trianglemommies.com as a great support network for moms in the area, probably worrth checking out.
Also, Carolina Parent is online, www.carolinaparent.com, and they have a calendar of events that was great when we first relocated here. You can pick up the free publication at most supermarkets and libraries, too.
I second the motion to consider the Y - the programs are fantastic, and they offer before and after school care as well, which is discounted if you're a member. You can see all the different programs at the website: http://www.ymcatriangle.org/home.aspx
Good luck!!
Too funny! I do recommend them! Trianglemommies is a part of carolina parent, so it is a nice combo! Anyhow, I would definitely recommend that group, great support system for moms!
Leigh
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