Moving

Moving to a New Home

• Focus on what your child can look forward to in a new home. For example, if she knows that a playground is near your new home, she may feel better about the move.
• Talk about the move. Answer your child’s questions.
• Be open about the mixed feelings that come with moving. Even adults feel both excited and scared about a move and sad about leaving friends and a favorite home behind. Talk about your mix of feelings and encourage your child to do the same.
• Have your child pack a suitcase with important items so a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or cell phone doesn’t accidentally get packed in a box.
• Be open to your child’s reaction. Some kids are quicker to adapt than others.

• Encourage your child or teenager to maintain ties to friends from your old location. Cell phones and social networking make it much easier for teens to keep in touch with friends who live far away.

Moving to a New School

• Once you’ve registered your child at a new school, arrange for a visit before the school year starts. This can help her get a sense of where things are and what the school looks like. Show her the playground, the lunchroom, the closest bathroom, and her classrooms.
• See if the school has a map that you can use for the tour. Maps often help children develop a sense of place, even if they are too young to read them.
• Bring a digital camera with you and take pictures of the school. Even if you can’t get inside the building, it will help your child to have photos of what the school looks like. Make copies of these photos for your child to keep; they will give her a bigger sense of control about going to a new school.
• Have your child choose a couple of school supplies. Some kids get excited if they have a special backpack, pencil, or folder they can take with them on the first day of school.
• Talk to your child about going to a new school. What excites him about it? What worries him? Often kids are nervous about meeting new friends.

• Monitor your child’s reaction to the new school. Some acclimate right away, while others have a hard time. Your child should like school, so intervene right away if she is having trouble.