How To Make Moving Easier For Children

​Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for children. They may miss their friends, school, and familiar surroundings. They may also be worried about the unknown.
As a parent, it’s important to be understanding and patient with your child during a move. In this article we'll discuss some tips to help your child adjust to a new home.

Talk to your child about the move early and often.

​The earlier you start talking to your child about the move, the more time they will have to adjust to the idea. Be honest and open with your child about why you are moving and what they can expect.
It is important to answer your child's questions honestly and in a way that they can understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that they may not be familiar with.
If your child is old enough, you may want to involve them in the decision-making process. This could involve letting them choose which room they want in the new house or helping them pack their belongings.

Acknowledge your child's feelings

​It is normal for children to feel sad, angry, or scared about moving. Let your child know that it is okay to feel these emotions. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and help them find healthy ways to express them.
Some common emotions that children may experience when moving include:

• Sadness about leaving their friends, school, and familiar surroundings
• Fear of the unknown
• Anger at being uprooted from their home
• Anxiety about making new friends and adjusting to a new school

It is important to validate your child's feelings and let them know that you understand how they are feeling. You can do this by saying things like, "I know you're sad about leaving your friends. It's okay to feel sad."

Help your child stay connected to their friends and school

​If your child is moving away from their friends and school, help them stay connected. This could involve setting up playdates with friends before the move, or helping your child find a new school in the new location.
If your child is moving to a new school, help them prepare for the transition. This could involve visiting the new school before the move, or helping your child practice for the new school's entrance exams.

Help your child create a new home in the new place

​When you arrive at your new home, help your child unpack their belongings and make their new space feel like home. This could involve decorating their room, or helping them find new friends in the neighborhood.
It is important to help your child feel comfortable in their new home. This could involve letting them choose their own bedroom furniture, or helping them decorate their room with their favorite things.

Be patient and understanding

​Moving can be a stressful time for everyone, but it is especially difficult for children. Be patient with your child and give them time to adjust to the new environment.
It is important to remember that your child may not adjust to the move right away. They may miss their old friends, school, and home. It is important to be patient and understanding with your child during this time.

Additional Tips

​Here are some additional tips for helping your child accept an upcoming move:

• Make the move fun. Let your child help you pack and unpack their belongings. This will help them feel more involved in the process and make the move seem less daunting.
• Create a moving scrapbook. This is a great way for your child to remember their old home and friends. Encourage them to draw pictures, write stories, or paste in photos of their favorite memories.
• Visit your new home before the move. This will help your child get a feel for their new surroundings and make the move seem less scary.
• Celebrate the move. When you arrive at your new home, have a party to celebrate your new beginning. This will help your child feel excited about the move and start to make new memories in their new home.

​Moving can be a challenging experience for both children and adults. However, by following these tips, you can help your child adjust to the move and make the transition as smooth as possible.