At one time or another many families face the prospect of moving, and while moving can be very stressful for adults, children also experience the stress along with other emotions. Children can feel scared, angry and excited when they learn they are moving from their familiar surroundings to a strange, unfamiliar home. Here are some helpful hints you can follow to help make the move easier for your children and you!

• Before the actual move talk to you children about what to expect so they have plenty of time to prepare and get used to the idea.

• Check out from the library or purchase an age appropriate book about moving to help them learn about moving in words they can understand.

• If you are moving across town, take your children to visit the new home and explore the new neighborhood.

• If you are moving to a new town or state, do as much research as possible about the area together.

• After you have moved into the new house, attempt to get your children’s rooms together first before other rooms of the house so they have a comfort zone to go to with their familiar items.

• Try to avoid big changes around moving time like toilet training or moving from a crib to a bed.

Keep in mind to be realistic to how you expect your children to transition and adapt to the new home and neighborhood. It may take several weeks for a child to adapt and feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Every child is different so remember to be supportive and focus on the positive things that the new home offers, for instance closer to a park or more kids to play with in the neighborhood.