Tips For Moving With Children

Moving to a new home is stressful on the entire family. However, this is especially true for your children. Many times children will react negatively to the news of a major move. They feel they are just starting to fit in and now they have to start all over.

They worry about losing friends, making the football team or softball squad, and finding a new part time job among other things.

By understanding that their objections are based mainly on fear of the unknown, working together as a family and including your children in the planning, moving with your children can become a rewarding experience.

Here are a few steps to take to help alleviate their fears and let your children know that you’re all on the same team.

• First, it’s important that you listen to and acknowledge their concerns.  Now is not the time to brush off their comments with a brusque retort.
• Be calm and above all, understanding.
• Sympathize and empathize with them. By stating yes, it’s hard to move but we’re all in this together as a family, you stress teamwork involved in planning and executing a move.

A family road trip to your new hometown is also a good step in the right direction.  This will give the kids a chance to provide valuable input about houses, schools, activities and neighborhoods.