MOVING WITH CHILDREN

Generally, the younger the child, the better they will cope with moving home. Infants and young children may be confused, try to explain to them what's happening and make it like an adventure. School age children are often most worried about how easily they will make friends at their new school. Teenagers are generally more resistant to the idea of moving as they have well established social networks and will also be worried about making new friends.

If your children are school age it can be tempting to plan your move for the school holidays. This can actually make things harder because school is the first place children can be assured of making friends. Moving during the school year allows children to go from one social setting to another.

It's important that your family spend time talking about the move and focus on the things you can look forward to. Before and during your move, encourage your children to voice their uncertainties. Getting your children involved is the best way to win support for the relocation. You can give them a special job to take care of on move day and if they're old enough let them pack and label their own boxes.

It's important that your children have the opportunity to say good-bye to the family members and friends as well as special places they're leaving behind. Take photos and exchange contact details. These days, it's easy to keep in touch as pen pals via email.