Moving your family
Moving
on your own is a huge undertaking, but moving
with a family is even more complicated. Special
considerations need to be taken concerning
children during a move, and preparing accordingly
can save major stress for all involved.
When planning for your family move, keep
children actively involved in the process.
Research fun activities in the new neighborhood
and town you’ll be moving to, and this
will give the children something to look
forward to. Help the children organize their
belongings for the move; you could even plan
a yard sale to get rid of old toys. Let the
children pack their toys and label boxes
so they feel like they are participating
in an important part of the move.
Before your move, research schools in the
area of your new home. Decide whether your
children will go to a private or public school,
and make a trip to schools with the children.
You can research this on the internet as
well, and ask for references from other parents
in your new neighborhood. Keeping the children
involved with the choice of school will help
them feel excited rather than intimidated
about all of the changes going on in their
environment.
Be prepared for apprehension and even tears
as your children face the stress of the move.
They may go through a period of adjustment
before they eventually accept and enjoy their
new surroundings, and this is perfectly normal.
As soon as they make new friends and start
to engage in the activities they enjoyed
at home, your children will quickly return
to their normal selves.
Helpful Reminders for Making Family
Moves
- Be sure to have school records, immunization
certificates, and other important documentation
prepared to give to your children’s
new school
- Encourage children to collect contact
information of friends and neighbors so
they can keep in touch
- Plan a moving away party to increase
the children’s excitement about the
adventure of moving
- Be patient with the emotional reactions
of children during the move- it’s
a difficult time for them but children
adjust quickly
- Keep lines of communication open with
children, reassuring them about the move
and explaining why the move is necessary
- Upon arrival at your new home, get involved
immediately with activities that the children
can participate in such as YMCA, Boy Scouts/Girl
Scouts, etc.