Moving, for whatever reason, can put a strain on an entire family, but is particularly challenging for children because they tend to thrive on routines and predictability. Switching to a new school and not knowing anyone, as well as moving into an unfamiliar home, throws off routines and may lead to withdrawal, sadness, anxiety or acting out. You can help ease this potentially difficult transition with these 5 tips:
✴ Set Expectations
Try looking at photos of your new home and/or new school with your child, while explaining the concept of moving and living there. You mayactuallyvisit these places before the move to help him/her visualize living in the new environment and create a better understanding of what is about to happen. For a fun activity, create a connection with the new place by taking pictures of your child’s favorite stuffed animal or toy in the new school or home. You may even want to create a book of the pictures together with your child!
✴ Read Moving-related Stories
There are several great children’s books about moving. Get one or two before the move. Read them regularly. Discuss with your child that he/she will be moving soon and going to a new school just like the character in the book. Express excitement about the move whenever possible, as it will help generate positive feelings within your child!
✴ Maintain Normalcy
Try to keep all other factors such as foods, who picks up and drops off the child at school, bedtime routine,… the same as before the move.
✴ Thorough Goodbyes and Introductions
If possible, let your child have time to transition from his/her old school to the new one with activities such as setting up his/her new room (if not too far away) or meeting his/her new teachers and classmates. Equally as important, is to say goodbye to the current home/classmates. The details depend on the specific child as some do best with a quick and simple good bye and others may benefit from a more elaborate (book/notes/gathering) goodbye to friends & teachers and visits back to the former school once he/she has moved. For most children it is easier not to return back to the old school too soon after moving, because it is bound to stir up feelings of missing friends, teachers… that may make acclimating to new friends, teacher… more difficult. If your child really wants to go back and visit and keeps requesting it, then it is important to do so, if possible.
✴ Stay Positive and Communicate
Try not to make moving a taboo topic. Talk to your child and take his/her lead on what he/she needs to make this an easier transition. Depending on your child’s age, you can learn from discussion, role playing, listening to him/her talk to stuffed animals/friends. It is important to validate any emotions and be realistic about the move. However, most of your focus should be positive to help your child to become as excited as possible.
It is important to remember that transitions are challenging for the majority of children and adults. If they sense stress from others about the situation, it will make it harder for them. Prepare the best you can, then approach it with confidence and excitement, even if you are anxious. Keep in mind that children have an amazing ability to adapt. Before long, things will be “back” to a new normal!
