Moving Is Tough, It’s Even Tougher On The Kids; Here’s How To Make It Better

Moving with your kids can be extra stressful and sometimes, we get so busy we forget how it’s effecting our children.

Full disclosure, while I don’t have children (unless you count the four legged variety), as a kid, I moved more often than can be counted on two hands. Before graduating high school, I attended eight schools. In other words, I know first hand what your children are going through as you’re preparing for the move and while I’m not an expert in psychology, I do have some insight.

1. Involve your kids — Children often feel like unwitting victims in a move. The best way to avoid that is to engage them. Take them house hunting. Let them (if possible) choose what to pack and what to leave behind. Have them pick colors for their new room and if it’s possible, let them pick out new furniture.
2. Scour the internet — Make researching your new town fun. Find activities, perhaps some group activities or fun extracurricular activities. Explore the neighborhood via Google maps.
3. Talk to them — Tell your kids why you’re moving and how it’s a new adventure in life.
4. Help them make friends — For less than popular kids, it’s an opportunity for a do-over. Ask them who they’d like to be (brainy, athletic, musical, artistic, etc.) and help them work out a game plan. If they are popular, assure them that they have the social skills to easily make new friends. Buy them some new clothes for their new school.
5. Ask adults if they have age appropriate children — If you are moving for a job, ask your coworkers if they have any age appropriate children. If not, knock on some neighbor’s doors. Don’t pressure the kids, but you can casually get them together just to see if they hit it off.
6. Visit the school — It’s a good idea to let your children meet the teachers and get a tour of the campus before their first day. That way they aren’t taken by surprised and they’re less likely to get lost on a large campus.
7. Throw a goodbye party for all of their friends, and even for the house. Take lots of pictures, exchange addresses (both email and physical). If your child is old enough for social media, let them follow their old friends.

Even if you do everything right, moving with your kids will still be tough. Acknowledge how they feel and give them time to adjust.