Advice to Parents Moving with Kids

Moving is one of the top three most stressful life events a person can go through and when kids are involved it’s even more intense. We wanted to pass along tips for your clients who are preparing kids for an upcoming move.

1. Younger Kids: Help Them Understand What The Move Means

An upcoming move will most likely have younger kids asking a lot of questions. Check out these books to help answer questions for your child:

• I Like Where I Am by Jessica Harper (4 to 8 years old)
• A Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn (5 to 6 years old)
• A New House by Jill Wenzel and Jan Westberg (4 to 10 years old)
• My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A Workbook for Children Moving to a New Home by Lori Attanasio Woodring (interactive and great for 5 to 11 years old)

2. Pre-Teens and Teens: Helping Them To Cope With The Change

Pre-teens and teens are at an age where they have their friends and routine and they do not want to change it. Plus hormones can contribute to extra drama. What can you do?

• Allow time to say goodbye to their friends and their home.
• Get them a scrapbook kit before the move so that they can take pictures to remember their friends, teachers, and school.
• Remind them of the power of technology. They are going to be able to stay in contact with their friends via social media.
• Keep dialogue flowing. Never dismiss their concerns, and do your best to explain why this move was needed and how this is going to benefit the whole family.