Even if you only lived in a home for a few years, to a young child it is nearly their entire lifetime.  Here are a few tips to help make the move a more positive experience for children.

1)  Show the children the new home and their new room prior to moving.  If this is not possible, pictures or videos will help them visualize where they are going.

2)  Before you move, throw a going-away party for your kids. Invite their friends and ask each guest to bring along a piece of advice for your child for his first day at his new school.

3)  When packing, give your children their own boxes and let them decorate them.

4)  Start a scrapbook for your new home.

5)  Visit your children’s new school, park, church, etc… Take a camera.

6)  Help your children invite new friends over to your new home.

7)   Let your children choose a new favorite restaurant.  This will help them feel in control of their new environment.

  Encourage your children to send letters about their new home to their friends.

9)  Involve your children in groups, sports, and activities like the ones they used to participate in.

10)  Be positive and upbeat about the move!  Your attitude about the move will influence your children’s attitude as well.