Let’s face it, moving is hard for the whole family, whether there are two of you or seven of you. Everyone experiences the conflicting emotions of excitement and fear, renewal and loss, or happiness and grief. Kids, whether toddlers or teens, experience these emotions just as vividly as adults, perhaps even more so. Nothing is more unnerving for a child than having his or her world upturned without warning, so be sure to prepare your kids before you start packing boxes. Here are some tips for helping your kids adjust to the move.

• Sit down with your kids and explain the ‘whys’ and the ‘wheres’ of your relocation. They’ll want the reasons for the move and it’s best to give them as much information as you can. Kids are smart; they’ll know something is amiss if you try to hide things from them. Be open, honest and caring, knowing that relocating may come as a shock to them.
• Ask your kids what features they would like to see in their new home or neighborhood. You can have fun with this – fantasize about having a 30-story mansion with 6 swimming pools – but then get down to more realistic features like two bathrooms instead of one, or a park nearby. It is important for kids to feel like they are part of the decision making process. This will help them take ownership and pride in their new surroundings.
• When you have a chance, visit your new neighborhood and house. It’s hard for kids to leave one place when they have no ideas or visions of what the move will bring. You can take a walk around the neighborhood, pointing out parks and fun places to explore once you’ve moved, and you can research the activities offered for kids in the area. Find your new town’s website, for example, and learn about it together.
• Visit your children’s new school(s). Contact teachers and, if possible, set up a one-on-one meeting with them. That way, on the first day of school, your child will see at least one familiar face.
• Help your kids keep in contact with old friends. This may mean setting up e-mail for them, helping them write letters, or gathering phone numbers. If possible, set up a date in the near future for a visit with old friends.

It is completely normal for kids to seem grumpy or sad for a while after they move. Don’t worry! Give them time, compassion and a shoulder to cry on if they need it. Most of all, try not to feel guilty over your decision to uproot the family. Whatever the reason, the move is sure to benefit all of you, and though change is difficult for everyone, it is an important element of the growing experience. Eventually, your kids will grow to love your new surroundings and be happy you moved.