It sounds like the benefits may outweigh your concerns.  Everyone is right about Happy Mom making for Happy Kids but you did mention that moving would put you closer to family.  It would probably be so great to be closer to your family and for your kids to be closer to family as well.  Don't worry.  You'll make the right decision for your family. 

Hi, Like many have said, a happy Mom makes for happy kids.  I would suggest you find the town you want to live in, then look up on the internet the town's name, this will be a resource to find out the statistics, information about schools, size/also, there are website that give a rating on schools.  If there is a holiday coming up, take a trip with the kids to the town you want to live in, let them be involved in the whole process so they don't feel 'mom did this I  hate it here' and blame you....offer to have their friends from the old school come visit on holiday for a weekend.  The older boy might be a bit ticked off, but the little ones, well kids can make friends anywhere.  Above all else, make it light and fun......ya get more with honey & laughs than with vinegar and yelling!!!

Take care, Simba1

You have to do what is right for you.  If moving is going to make you happy, then do it.  Happy mum's means happy kids.  Sure, it will be hard for them, but they will adjust and there is such a thing as the internet to communicate with friends where you are now.  And school hols for catch up time. 

Don't think you are selfish.  We all are sometimes.  We have to be otherwise we would never cope.  Talk it through with your kids and do a pros and cons list together.  Research the area you are thinking of moving to with your kids and make contact with the local schools so you can get a feel for them before moving.

Hun, do what feels right for you.  Sure, there are going to be tears but it will work out in the end if you do it as a family.

a) no stop trying to justify the move and do it!!!!! a happy mum is a happy family there is your justification!
b) kids will be fine and are amazingly resiliant, and the vast majority of teachers out there are understanding and will help the kidlets settle into their new classes. esp at the begining of the new year...
c) go house hunting with the kids and get them excited about the move too... my four year old boy always sits on my lap and looks at buses and fifth wheelers with me online.... and proceeds to tell me that the bed with the two pillows is gonna be his! hahaha!
DO IT ALREADY!!!! box syndrome sux! ::)'s becca!

No, I dont believe you are being selfish. I also believe that happy contented mummy makes for happy contented kids. I think if I was in your position and wanted to move, now would be the ideal time to do it. I am presuming that your 12 yr old has just started high school, if so then moving now should not be a stressfull for them if you move after they had made their course choices. Moving nearer family may also be beneficial for the children as it gives them a larger support net work as well as for you. I would look into the schools in the area you wish to move them to, the schools there maybe just as good. Try and sound out your children without alarming them. How do they feel about moving closer to family. Children can generally be very flexable, especially if you are honest with them and they understand the reasons and that you are always there for them, to support them through the changes.

Good luck and best wishes. Winnie.x

If this is the best thing for you and you are being affected in a negative way if you keep living where you are then it's the best thing for your whole family if you move.  It sounds drastic but kids really do get over it.  They are resilient.  You can't hold yourself back until your youngest turns 21 and then you'll have grandkids to consider.  It's best to make the move now.  Good luck in your decision.  I know it's harder to do things once they're in school but plenty of kids move from one school to another and they do well.