The following tips can often help children adjust before, during, and after a family relocates to a new home.

• Children should be included in making plans for the move. Consider taking them house hunting with you, so they feel included in the process.
• Help your children learn about the new area.
• Play pretend with dolls, boxes, and a wagon, so children can get a feeling of “moving”.
• Encourage children to arrange and decorate their new rooms.
• Children should exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends.
• Put together a package for each child containing snacks, clothing, and a few favorite toys for the move.
• Take a family break!
• Spend time after the move listening to each child talk about their new schools and new friends.
• Accompany your children to school for the first few days.
• Look for abnormalities (loss of appetite, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, etc.). Contact a doctor if your child is showing any of these symptoms.
• If your move involves suburban to rural, or vice versa, discuss with children about new situations they will face.