How to Help Children Move to a New Home

Taking the Scare Out of Moving for Children

Most of us move during our lifetime. Many of us move many times. Relocation is almost an American pastime. Yet for children, relocation, moving, can be very frightening. For children, moving as in relocation, means tearing them away from all that is familiar and relocating to an place they don't know, with people they don't know and a whole situation with which they aren't familiar. It is scary. Relocation can be a bit scary even for adults.

What can parents do to help children acclimate to the idea of relocation without being overly traumatized? As much as possible, keep the children in the loop. Let them know their opinions and feelings matter. Explain why the move is not optional and that relocation is necessary. Talk to them about the new possibilities available at the relocation destination.

Even before moving, check out the school, church and neighborhood situations. During a relocation, keep in mind what is best not just for the adults in the family, but also what works for the children. Make contact with those in the relocation destination.

Treat moving and the relocation as an adventure for the children. Be positive about the benefits of the relocation destination. Get the children involved. Go online and show them the neighborhood in which they'll be living. Let the children see a picture of the very house to which they'll be moving. Just seeing the actual relocation destination may set aside some of the children's fears.

Get children involved in helping with moving. Assign them specific tasks according to their age and abilities. If the children are very young, make some time for them to "help" you pack their beloved belongings. Older children may be able to pack their own favorite toys and stuffed animals. Often children may be very slow at packing because they are children and because relocation, moving, is still a little frightening for them. Try not to let your frustration or impatience at their pace become words or actions that escalate a tense situation and frighten the children, making them even more hesitant about the relocation.