It takes a village to raise a child. While the merits of that might be debatable, to a large degree, the environment plays a huge role in defining who we become. Many people say the family is the first learning ground for children as it’s where the child learns values and morals. The sad truth is that building a functional family has become hard these days. Studies show about 70 to 80% of Americans believe they come from dysfunctional families.
As the saying goes, the fruit never falls far from the tree. And from dysfunctional families come many children who are emotionally and mentally unstable. Statistics show that about 70% of criminals are from broken homes. Certainly, creating a comfortable and functional home for every child out there is paramount.
The good news is that this is an achievable feat, and you have a great say in this outcome. As a parent, there’s a lot that can be done to make this a reality. One of which is choosing the right community for your children to live in. That may require you to move to a better location.
However, don’t fret if you don’t know exactly how to make it all happen.
Look for a Community with Kids
When you’re looking for a good community for your child to grow up in, consider if there are kids there or not. Families with children who are living happily should give you a cue. It’s a telltale sign that the community is child-friendly.
So, look out for children playing outside their houses. This tells you two things. First, your children will have friends to play with in case you end up moving there. Second, it shows that parents find the community safe enough to let their children play outside.
Another good alternative is to get a lead where to go is to seek the help of letting agents. They can show you better options of good properties to rent out or buy. Then, you can check out these properties. A good letting agent is a treasure trove. His network and expert knowledge can ease you a lot of legwork.
Pay More Attention to Education
It is crucial to pay close attention to education in that community. This is most especially important if your children are school-aged. Your children will need a good school to attend. So this means there should be a worthy institution nearby.
Ask around. You can try asking people in the community about the schools their children attend. Or better still, you can look up reviews on the schools around as well as their ratings.
If you can’t find one, this might be a huge factor in whether you should move into this community or not. But just in case you have fallen in love with the community and can’t seem to find a good school, you can check the communities nearby. If it’s not too far, that can certainly be an option.
Ensure the Community Is Safe
This is one of the most important factors to put into consideration before moving into a community. The safety of a community is non-negotiable.
For many times there, the world we live in today has become an unsafe zone. Crime rates keep increasing daily. And there has also been an increase in murder rates. Surely, security is central in choosing where to go.
Ensure that the crime rate in the community you’re moving to is low. Search online for any cases and also ask people living in the community. This will help you know whether the community is safe or not.
Try speaking to the local police in that community. They are in the best position to let you know the state of the community when it comes to safety. You can easily find out the crime rates, safety programs they have, and every other thing you need to know about the community’s safety.
Last but not least, you should check if the infection rate is high in the community. With the delta virus out, you really have to be on your toes. The safety of your family from external and internal threats is a top priority.
A good way to start is with friends you know. Ask them where they live and let them know you’re looking for a place to transfer. A friend who has a child at the same age as your child can be a treasure trove.
It might take some time to find the right community to raise a child. But it’s all worth it. When the community is right, growing a responsible citizen out of your child can be a walk in the park.