Excitement, apprehension, fear, anticipation. These are all feelings that everyone gets when
moving to a new home. But for children these emotions can be magnified. Take time to involve your children
in the move and turn the trip into an adventure. Here are a few tips to make the move easier on your children.
Consider scheduling the move before the school year ends. This way your children have a chance to meet other kids before the school year ends.
If you move after school ends, sign your children up for summer activities at the new location so they meet new friends with similar interests.
Inform your children about the move at the outset. This way they will feel a part of the whole moving process.
Talk to your children about the move frequently, involve them in the planning and talk to them about the things they can look forward to. This will help reassure them about the move.
Tell your children why you are moving. Be as honest as possible.
Try to keep life as normal as possible. Keep as many of the daily routines as possible.
At the new location set up similar activities for the children including sports, classes or other activities they enjoy.
Consider throwing a party for your children and their friends as a way to say good-bye. Take a group photo and place it on poster board. Have each of their friends write a note on the poster board.
Even if you're not totally thrilled with the move, remain positive and upbeat for the children.
Show your children photos and a map of the area they will be moving to, their new home and describe activities available at the new location.
Create a list of places, entertainment or attractions that are unique to your new location and let your children explore them on-line prior to the move.
Let your children pack of few of their personal items themselves to take with them on the trip to the new home.
Provide special jobs for your children in regard to the move (help organize a garage sale or help Mom pack a travel kit).
Once a new home is chosen, let the children plan how their room will be decorated and arranged.
At the new location, tour the neighborhood and area attractions with your children. Be sure to include their new school on the tour.
