Relocation Issues for Kids
Every year, one out of five American families move. One of the most important issues to
anyone with kids is their reaction to the news that they're moving, and their adjustment
to the new home. Being informed is very important to children. One of the worst mistakes
we can make as adults is to assume that kids don't care or won't understand the details
keeping them "in the loop," consulting them about choices whenever
possible, and including them in the family game plan will work wonders toward their
adjustment.
Other factors depend on the child's age:
Preschool Children
Kids under the age of six may worry about being left behind, or being separated from their
parents. If you go on an orientation or house-hunting trip beforehand without the
children, it's important to reassure kids this age that you will be back; bring something
unique back to them from the new town. It's very important for them to express their
feelings and fears about the move. Give them a job to do -- have them be responsible for
boxing up their favorite toys, and "labeling" their boxes with crayons and
stickers
Ages 6 to 12
Elementary age kids are usually most concerned with how the
everyday routines of their lives are going to change. Showing them pictures, videos and
magazines of their new home will help a lot, especially if you can find new places in
advance for the things they like to do. If your children take dance lessons, find and
share information about the new dance studio they can go to. If they take karate, or play
soccer...even if their favorite thing to do is go to the park or the pizza parlor, find
these places in your new neighborhood and get brochures, pictures or videos.
Teenagers
These kids are most concerned with fitting in. They may react
angrily to the move, even insist they're not going. This is usually due to the total lack
of control they have over everything important in their lives, friends, school and jobs,
being disrupted. These children can be very worried about making new friends, and what
will be different in the new school. They are curious about the clothing, hairstyles,
bicycles, cars, etc. that kids in the new city will have. Pictures of all these things are
very helpful, so if you take an
orientation trip be sure to take many detailed photos/videos of the schools they will be
attending.
Other tips for making the transition
Give young children an entertaining travel kit for the move.
Give older children a diary for recording the trip and move.
Give children of all ages a special address book and
stationary set for keeping up with old friends.
Take videos of the new home if the kids won't get to see it
before the move.
Arrive well before the movers so kids can explore and become acquainted first.
Give children a chore to do, such as working on their room
(younger), supervising little siblings (middle), and painting or
arranging furniture (older kids).
Take a break with the family as soon as possible to explore
the museums, sights and recreation in your new city.
Arrange a visit to new schools and a meeting with the
teacher before the actual first day of attendance.
Encourage the children to bring new friends home. |
Relocation Relocating to San Diego
San Diego
Neighborhoods
Relocation
Considerations
Top Ten Relocation Headaches
Relocation Issues for Kids
Home Buyer Checklist
Select A Relocation Professional
Before You Relocate
After You Relocate
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