Moving
With Children
- Provide children with as much information as possible about the move and allow
them to participate in decision-making discussions. - Familiarize the children with the new area using maps, photographs and related
Internet sites. Talk about the positive aspects of their new home, school and
neighbourhood. Encourage questions and invite children to talk about their
worries. - For young children, make the move an adventure. Encourage them to pack their
own things, leaving favourite toys until the end. - Resist the temptation to send children away during the move unless they are
very young. Participating will help them adjust more easily to their new
surroundings. - For older children who are leaving friends, sports teams and their school,
emphasize how easy it is to keep in touch through e-mail and the telephone. - After the move, participate with the kids in local religious events, Scouts or
Girl Guides and community sport teams. - No matter how well you have prepared your children, expect them to be a little
upset. The emotional impact is greater for older children than for younger
children. Watch for signs of depression.