A variety of emotions can be experienced when a family makes a decision to move. Moving can be an exciting new adventure for families as they look forward to new places, friends, and neighbours.  The experiences of moving can often bring family members closer together.  Although there are many positives to moving, there are also challenges for a family, especially for children. It is understandable that parents are often concerned about the effect of the move for their family. Parents often wish to help ease the transition for their children and make moving a positive experience.

When faced with a move, it is important to remember that reactions from children will vary depending on their personality and developmental age. The personality of the child is important because it influences the time a child may take to adjust to the move. Some children are naturally outgoing and will be able to make friends immediately while some other children may take months. Roller coaster emotions are not uncommon. One day your child may be thrilled and excited, then blue and depressed the next.

Literature

Literature can assist a family adjust to moving homes.  It is also a fun way to connect with your children, sparking questions, concerns, and fears during reading of stories.  Here are some books that have been used to assist parents with transitioning children from their existing home to their new home:

Dear Phoebe, S. Alexander
We Are Best Friends, Aliki
It’s Your Move: Picking up, packing up and settling in, L. Bourke
I Don’t Live Here!, P. Conrad
I’m Moving, M. W. Hickman
My Friend William Moved Away, M. W. Hickman
Moving Molly, S. Hughes
I’m Not Moving!, P. Jones
Maggie and the Goodbye Gift, S. Milord & J. Milord
A New Boy in Kindergarten, J.B. Moncure
Mitchell is Moving, M. W. Sharmat,
The Monster in the Third Dresser Drawer and Other Stories About Adam Joshua, J. I. Smith
Moving Day, T. Tobias
Moving, W. Watson

These are just a few of the titles available for families to read from the library, or purchase in stores.  If there is a piece of literature that has helped your family with a recent move, I would be happy to read it, and add it to the list for other parents to utilize during their time of transition with a move.

Strategies to help children adjust to moving

Be understanding. Acknowledge both positive and negative feelings. Let children know that it’s OK and normal to feel anxiety. Watch out for verbal and nonverbal communication.

Provide continuity. Much of the stress associated with moving comes from the “newness” and “difference” of things. Try to keep routines and other daily living habits as normal as possible. This is not the time to make a lot of major changes in your family life.

Be patient. New adjustments take time. Individuals handle things differently. Some children will ease slowly into a new situation, some will leap in head first. Allow for differences in personalities.

Be a good model. Children need to see and hear adults express their feelings and work through problems. A parent that feels comfortable with saying “Gee, sometimes I sure feel lonely,” or “Today I told myself that I was going to meet at least one new person!” can provide a lot of support for children.

Promote peer interaction. Hook into the community quickly. Ask a neighbor if he will introduce your child to neighborhood children. Link up with familiar organizations such as Scouts, Campfire, 4-H, and church youth groups.

Use children’s literature. Books and movies are wonderful for helping children prepare for and understand difficult situations. Story characters who model successful coping strategies are an excellent resource for children.