Moving Tips

20 Ways to Help Children Adjust After a Move

Summer time and the livin' is far from easy... that is, if you're moving.

So how can we make the move a little easier on the kids? The following are some of Susan Miller's suggestions from her book, After the Boxes are Unpacked.

1. Christen Your New Home
Tie a big bow - one for each of your children on the front door. When the child cuts his or her bow, take a picture to put in your moving day scrapbook.

2. Create a Personal Calling Card
Type your new address and phone number in columns with a two-inch margin. Fold on lines above and below each address so you and the children can tear them off for friends.

3. Have a Family Party
All you need are cookies, punch, and conversation. Remember, conversation can be more refreshing than cookies and punch.

4. Don't Skip Breakfast
A good breakfast gives your kids the energy to start the day.

5. Personalize Your New Yard
Encourage your kids to plant seeds or flowers in the yard. Explain how we all have to root and grow in new soil.

6. Encourage Friendships
Encourage your children to invite friends home. You provide the pizza.

7. Daily Routines Provide Security
Establish a routine as quickly as possible.

8. Ask Before You Toss
Don't do away with old toys and familiar possessions. They may give your child a feeling of continuity.

9. Pride In Ownership
Let your child take part in decorating his or her room.

10. New Traditions
The old traditions are still very important to your family, however, a new house is a great time to add some new traditions.

11. Listen, Listen, Listen
Don't preach or teach, instead give your kids lots of hugs while you listen to what they're really saying.

12. Grieving Is Part of the Moving Process
Allow your children to mourn their losses in the move.

13. Get Them Involved
Ask neighbors or your church about a good youth program for your children to get involved with.

14. A Little Something Extra
Leave notes that say, "I love U" or "Have a great day!" and leave them in unexpected places where they'll be found by the kids.

15. Keep In Touch
Allow each child an opportunity call to a friend in his or her former town.

16. Stay Positive
Provide lots of reassurance for them.

17. Pray
Pray for your children every day.

18. Bedtime Routines
Tuck younger children in at bedtime. Don't be in a hurry, but allow them to open up about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

19. Nourish their growth
Nourish their roots in Christ, family, and home.

20. Build Up Their Confidence
Give them wings of freedom to move forward in their journey of life.

(Another great resource from Susan Miller is her book, But Mom, I Don't Want to Move.)