We sometimes forget that children may be more affected with a move.

The suggestions below can help to minimized anxieties children have before moving.

Helping Children With a Move

- Before moving, show the children the new home and their new room. Help them visualize where they are going by either taking them there, or showing them a video or pictures of the house.

- Keep the memories of the old home and neighborhood in a scrapbook.

- Let your children know that their friends will not be forgotten. Invite their friends over for a farewell party. Help your children write letters or postcards to their friends. Let their friends’ parents in on it for return letters.

- Make your children a part of the move as much as possible. Give them their own boxes to decorate.

- When unpacking, allow your children to unpack their “treasures” first, and they can play with the boxes while you unpack.

- Visit the new surroundings (i.e. school, church, stores, park, etc.)

- Invite their new friends over

- To help them feel in control of their new world, have them pick out a favorite restaurant, store, or activity.

- Involve your children in the same kinds of sports or activities they use to be in.

- Remember that even if you only lived in that old home for a couple of years, that place was very special in your child’s heart.

Source: http://www.plazaareaneighbors.com/index.php?pageId=siteTips&action=article&itemId=217