Preparing your Children for a Move

Moving is rough on everyone, but it tends to hit children the hardest...they're moving away from their school, their friends, most of what is comfortable to them.  Here are some tips to help your kids adjust before, during, and after your family moves.

• Include children in making plans for the move...Try taking them house-hunting with you
• Help your children learn about the new area...Try looking up parks or other fun spots that are in or near your new neighborhood
• Through play-acting with dolls, boxes, and a wagon, children can get a feeling of "moving"
• Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated
• Encourage children to exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends
• Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, and a few favorite toys for the move
• Take a "family break" as soon as the major unpacking is done.  Don't try to do everything immediately upon arrival at your new home
• Follow progress in new schools.  Accompanying your children to school the first few days may ease tension.
• If you move from suburban to rural, or vice versa, caution children about new situations they may face