Children and Relocating
Moving can be a disruptive experience for families because so many changes take place. Relocation affects all members of the family, and it is often easy to overlook the needs of small children.
- Tell your children why you are moving.
- Have a family discussion concerning what you are sad about leaving and what you are looking forward to once you move.
- Ask children what they would like to know about the new area — don’t make assumptions.
- Plan a party to say good-bye to friends; develop ways to stay in touch.
- Utilize a calendar to explain what will happen in what order during the moving process.
- Read your child stories about moving.
- Take a camera on your house hunting trip. Take pictures of other children, their activities and the inside of the school. Take these back to youngsters at home.
- Allow children to participate in the packing process.
- If possible, have all family members present on moving day to watch the loading of the van. Try to put children’s possessions in last so they will be unloaded first.
- Celebrate your arrival at your new home.
- Explore the neighborhood with your children to alleviate their concerns about getting lost.
- Help your children plan their first day of school — what to wear and take along and how to get there.
- Spend extra time with your children throughout the relocation so that you can understand their concerns and take steps to alleviate them.