How To Prepare Your Children For Your Move

1. As soon as your prospective move becomes a reality, tell your family of your plans. Children, even young children, like to be informed about change. This makes them feel important and involved in family decisions.

2. Listen to their fears. Letting a child express his or her feelings is essential so they will view the move in a positive manner.

3. Include your children in your moving plans and in the decision-making process. If they are old enough to accompany you house hunting, bring them along. If not, take pictures or videos of their new home and town so they can familiarize themselves with the area.

4. Research the new community. Get as much information you can about schools, shopping centers, activities and attractions. This will help your children get acclimated to the neighborhood.

5. Let your children tell their neighborhood friends they are leaving. Help them collect addresses and phone numbers, set up a mailing list and let them have a “moving party” to say goodbye to their friends.

6. Get the children involved by having them plan a garage sale. They can tag items, help set up, and make a little spare change for themselves by setting up their own special table.

7. Let the children help pack their belongings. Allow your children to label their own boxes so they can easily find their valuables.

8. Assign the children responsibilities on moving day. Older children can take care of plants or pets, or can look out for younger siblings. Younger children can make sure rooms are emptied or other simple tasks.

9. Pack a box of activities for the children for the trip to the new home. Bring crayons and paper, or older children may want to keep a journal.

10. Get to the new house before the movers so the children can familiarize themselves with the dwelling. Again, assign children specific tasks when the movers arrive so they feel part of the “team.”

11. Explore the new area with your children soon after you complete the move. Point out schools, stores and other interesting features so the children will begin to feel at home.

12. After the children begin school, check periodically with their teacher(s) on their progress. Ask the teacher about any latent stress the children may experience.

Stress throughout the moving process how important your children’s feelings and input is to you. By including the children in the entire process, you reinforce your love and concern for your family by treating them as a “team.”