As a proud father of 3, I know the last thing you want to do is uproot your children and move them somewhere new and unfamiliar. However, sometimes these things happen due to career or other opportunity. The least we can do is learn how we can make this transition as pain free as possible.
Here are some great tips on how to help your children through this time;
It's important to assure your children that you won't forget their friends. If you're lucky enough to be moving only a short distance, it's possible they may still see their friends.
Make a scrapbook of the old home and neighborhood.
This will help them remember where they grew up and give them the opportunity to reminisce.
Throw a good-bye party! At the party, have their friends sign a t-shirt. This will make a great keepsake when they reach their new home.
When packing, give them their own box. They can decorate it so they know which one it is. Sometimes it helps to get them involved.
When you get to your new home, start a scrapbook. Include a diary of 'My first...'
Prior to moving, visit their new school, park, church, etc... Take a camera.
When unpacking, allow them to unpack their treasures, and then have them play with the boxes while you unpack.
Help your children invite new friends over to the house. Sometimes kids just need a little push in the right direction to get them going.
Let them choose a new favorite restaurant. This will help them feel in control of their new world.
Encourage them to send letter about their new home to their friends.
Remember, even if you only lived in a new home for a few years, to a young child it's their entire lifetime!
