Relocating to a new home is always a stressful time but it can be even more so for children. Younger children tend not to do well with big changes in their daily routine and older children may be upset about moving away from their friends and to a new unfamiliar neighbourhood. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when moving with children of any age.

Some of the anxiety related to moving for children is simply the fear of the unknown. Parents can help with this by telling the children as much as they can about the new house, the new schools, and the new neighbourhood. Including them in some of the decision making process can provide them with information about where they are going as well as give them a sense of control over the whole process. Parents should emphasize greatly the advantages that the new home and setting will provide and show how the new location could be better than the existing one. Children should feel as though they can openly talk about their worries and parents should help to alleviate them.

For young children, a scary move can be turned into an exciting new adventure. Discuss with them what will happen on moving day so they will know what to expect. Also allow them to pack their own things but make sure to leave special toys or security objects such as blankets, out until the very end. If it's possible, take the children out to see the new home and neighbourhood. This will also help children make the adjustment as they will know where they are going and what to expect. If it's not possible to take them, bring along a video camera or take a lot of pictures so you can show them later. If the children are young, ask a baby-sitter to come to the house for moving day to make it easier on yourself. Don't send them away to be baby-sat though as this will only make them feel more excluded.

Try to make the move as fun as possible for the children. If the children are older, you can host a good-bye party before the move. Give the child an address book and have their friends fill in all their contact information at the party. Talk to your children about how easy it is to keep in touch via telephone and online. Older children can also be given a disposable camera and can be responsible of taking pictures of the move. This can be turned into a fun family project when you get to the new place by creating a "moving album" with the pictures. Getting children to draw pictures of how they will arrange their new room can also give them something to look forward to. If possible, try arranging the move at the same time as the new school year begins. This will make the child feel less like an outsider.

Once in the new home, try to get things back to normal as soon as possible. Keep any family rituals that were in place at the old home and maybe even create new ones that involve the new house and neighbourhood.

Children are still most likely to be upset about any move. They may even blame their parents and this is perfectly normal. Try to understand their feelings and talk them through it rather than taking it personally.

 Jeff - Orlando Real Estate