Dr. Michele Koschin, a Psychologist at Belmont Behavioral Health, says moving can be a traumatic experience for children and teenagers. So what's the most important thing to do? Koschin told us, "I can't stress this enough, communication - letting your children know as early as possible that the move is taking place."
Koschin also says involve your children in the process of selecting a new home. Answer their questions - even when repetitive. Some children may not understand that the family dog is coming and their neighbors are not.
Try joining summer camps so kids can get use to their new friends and activities. It would be a great idea of parents to get involved in the communities and neighbors as well. Try throwing the kids a going away party. And with social media making communication so easy, reassure your children that they can keep in touch with friends.
My older daughter cried for two years after we moved from our first home. I went around the house with a "memory box" and placed each imaginary memory in the box to try and explain we would take all of these memories with us. In the end, she loves her new home and friends even more. But, I can attest, transitions can be really difficult.
Good luck and let me know how it works for you and your family!
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