It’s important to let your children know where they’ll be moving, where they will live and where they will be attending school. Involve them in the decision making process to keep them well-informed on what they’ll be experiencing. This will help minimize the future disruption and they’ll be far less likely to create a negative image of what’s to come. Reassure them that they’ll be facing some changes and challenges. Encourage them to talk about their concerns. Let them know that you don’t have all the answers, but you’ll do your very best to answer their questions and keep them up-to-date on the process as it unfolds. Tell them about the new community and all it has to offer. If they’re interested in sports or music or dance, make sure they see what programs the new area will have.
Teens will be worried about the loss of friends, so it’s important to take those concerns seriously. Offer suggestions on how they may keep in touch with those friends. Take time to create “memory books” with them to help keep old friends and memories near. Visit the new community. Show them the fun and interesting places they’ll be experiencing (or take photos of these places to share with them). If they are introduced to great benefits of the new area, they’ll be less likely to worry about moving there. Visit the schools they’ll be attending. Pay particular attention to what the popular clothes or bags are (tips that will help you, help them, fit in).
Ask your children what their favorite things are and let them know that all of those things will be at the new home. Be sure to focus on that set of happy things at the new location. A warm and understanding approach will alleviate their fearful emotions and make the big transition easier on the entire family.