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Include the children in making plans
for the move. For example, take them house-hunting with you.
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Help your children learn about the
new area.
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Through play-acting with dolls,
boxes and a wagon, children can get a feeling of "moving."
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Allow children to decorate a
"special box" where they can place/pack items that belong to
them.
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Let the children help decide how
their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated.
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Encourage children to exchange
addresses and phone numbers with their friends.
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Prepare a package for each child
containing snacks, some clothing and a few favorite toys for the
move.
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Take a "family break" as soon as the
major unpacking is done. Don't try to do everything when you
arrive.
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Parents should spend time after the
move listening to each child about new schools and new friends.
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Follow progress in new schools.
Accompanying your children to school the first few days may ease
tension.
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Any lingering abnormalities (loss of
appetite, insomnia, etc.) should be reported to a doctor.
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If your move involves suburban to
rural, or vice versa, caution children about new situations they
will face.
