Moving Advice

Moving with Children

Moving home can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Although the reasons for moving home are usually positive, for example, a larger property or a new job, the actual move itself can be traumatic. Adults can usually adapt to their new circumstances fairly quickly, especially if they are already familiar with the area. For children, the move can be less easy and they may not adapt so quickly to their new environment.

However, most children do learn to love their new home and eventually see the benefits of the move. Here are some suggestions for helping children feel at ease with moving house.

• Be honest with your children. As soon as your move has been confirmed tell them about it and explain the reasons for it.

• Try and be positive. Even if you have some doubts about moving make sure that you emphasise the positive aspects. For example, tell them they will be living near the sea or country, or in a city that is filled with exciting places to visit.

• If possible, take the children to see the new house and ask them which bedrooms they would like. If your children are old enough, let them choose how their room will be decorated.

• Let them help you to pack up the old home. Give them each a box and ask them to pack some of their possessions.

• Encourage children to talk to their friends about the move and to swap addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses.

• Once the children arrive at the new address, allow them to telephone their friends and tell them about their new home.

• Contact organisations that your child has been involved with. Visit local leisure facilities such as the swimming pool and cinema.