The three key factors to a child's happy move are:
- The parents' positive and calm appearance.
- Communications within the family.
- Involving them in the move.
Infants:
Babies need only be kept comfortable and to their daily routine. They
will be the least affected by the move.
Toddlers:
Let toddlers know about the move shortly before it takes place. Be sure they
know they will be going with you. Moving is a very busy time; try to
spend a little extra time with them. Make the moving process an adventure
with related games and stories.
Familiar possessions will make the transition easier, let them pack their
own favourite treasures.
Pre-teens
Children this age will be more aware of the move and of leaving their friends.
They may have difficulty accepting the change. Tell them gradually about
the move. First, drop hints that the family might be moving and stress
the positive aspects. Later, when you feel they are ready to accept the
news, tell them about the move itself. Let them take part in the
planning and make decisions about which of their possessions they want to
take. Make some change of address cards for them to complete and send
to their current friends, as well as an address book to record their friends'
addresses, phone numbers and birthdays.
Prepare a floor plan of your new home and let children decide how their rooms
might be arranged. If possible, it is better for a young child's room to
have the door and window in roughly the same position he or she is used to.
When you have moved, arrange children's rooms as quickly as possible and let
them unpack and arrange their toys.
Teenagers
Teenagers have developed more interests and special friendships. They may
be most disturbed about moving. Plan to spend a lot of time with them.
Make sure they know the reasons for the move and include them in
decision-making. Let them share in the process by giving them specific and important
responsibilities during the move.
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