RELOCATION WITH CHILDREN


Moving isn't a challenge, it's an adventure! When your kids move to somewhere new, there are some main topics of fear to confront for them: new home, new friends, and a new school. Here are some tips for you to help guide your children through this period of change.

Prepare a child well in advance. Talk about the move as a family. Depending on the age 
of child, explain the move in such a way that he or she can understand and appreciate your reasons for moving.

Ask children what they would like to know about the new area -- don't make  
assumptions

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

Accept and acknowledge a child's feelings about losing friends and the familiar 
environment, and about the changes the child will have to adapt to.

Plan a party to say good-bye to friends; develop ways for your child to stay in touch in 
friends after the move.

Allow children to participate in the packing process

Manage your own stress and try to stay calm around children.

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.

Routine is a very important part of children's lives. Maintain the old rituals of 
homemade pancakes on Saturday morning, or whatever you do together, right away.

Get your child involved with sports teams, clubs and school activities as soon as 
 you can.

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.


Information provided by Karen Staha
All Rights Reserved