Helping Kids Cope
Discuss the move in an open family
forum:
Break the news about the move to everyone in the family
together, and focus on the "when," "where," "how" and "why" of the moving
process. Be sure your child understands that the move is a positive event for
the whole family.
Make new friends but keep the old:
Before the move, give your children an opportunity to spend
time with their friends to say goodbye.
Involve the kids in the moving
process:
Ask your children to help you plan the route your family
will take to your new home. When the van operator arrives, introduce him or her
to the children. For safety reasons, make sure your children understand the
importance of staying clear of the driver's path when he or she is moving boxes
and furniture into the van. Other ideas include making a game of navigating the
best route to travel in an atlas or on a road map or letting your children
decorate and label their own boxes and pack their "special belongings."
Alleviate fears:
If possible, take the children to see their new home and
neighborhood in advance. This will help to take the "mystery" out of the move.
Introducing your children to their new neighbors will reassure them that they
will make new friends after the move. If it is not possible to go to your new
neighborhood, try to compile as much information about the neighborhood as you
can. The Internet can offer a wealth of resources. Also, try to get a couple of
photographs of your new home and surroundings (ask your real estate agent to
help), and share all of the information with your children.
Pursue new activities:
Help your kids to make new friends by getting them involved
in extracurricular activities in their new neighborhood. Sports leagues,
community kids' clubs and classes specific to your child's interests will keep
them busy and make them feel more at home in their new surroundings.
Celebrate!:
Once you have arrived at the new address, let your children
pick their favorite restaurant, type of food or activity to "celebrate" their
help in making the move successful and the beginning of a new adventure.