A Guide To Moving With Children

• The parents' positive and calm appearance.
• Communications within the family.
• Involving them in 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 can be a very chaotic 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.