Tips for Talking About Moving

Whether you are packing up and leaving to a new city or just to another street in another part of town, moving can be a very busy and hectic time. For children, the concept of moving can be quite unsettling.

If you find that you and your family are about to move, here are a few things to consider with respect to your little one.

• Show your children's worries respect. They may not fully understand what is happening but there will come a point where they will. If they seem concerned about the situation, be sure to explain to them what is happening and how it will affect them.
• Try to keep your children's schedule as structured as possible. If you can keep their bedtime, meal time and daily schedules similar to what they are accustomed to, the move will be more manageable.
• Try to have their bedrooms mostly ready for the night when they arrive at their new home. If they can enter their new home with a lot of their familiar surroundings already in place, it will make it easier for them to adjust.
• If they have any friends at their old home, allow them to see them before they go and, if possible, allow them to keep in touch through phone calls or the odd visit.
• Be positive about the new home. Even if the move is for reasons that may not be entirely of your own free will (i.e. finance, job relocation), if your children see that you are enthusiastic it is likely to help alleviate any apprehensions they might have.
• Give your children chores to do to prepare, such as helping to pack their toys. It will help them to feel a part of the process.

By Chris Giardino