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Moving to a new community and school may produce stress and
anxiety for children. Moving away from friends, familiar surroundings
and being introduced to a new school can be difficult. The
cause of stress can vary according to the age of the children.
Younger children who are in the process of exploring their
independence from their parents and are adjusting to new peer
groups may find themselves returning to a dependent relationship
with their parents.
Older children have more difficulty leaving close friends
and peers and may repeatedly protest the move. Some ask to
move in with friends in their hometown to complete the school
year.
Signs of depression or distress should be monitored. If deemed
necessary, consult with your family physician or pediatrician.
They may be able to assist or provide referrals for physicians
in your new location.
Some of the following steps may be taken to make the relocation
easier for your children:
 Talk
openly with your children well before the move takes place,
explaining all of the details of the move and why the move
must take place.
Get information
on your new town or city, including schools and children’s
programs, and discuss them with your children.
Create
a pen-pal package for your children and their special friends
with addressed, pre-stamped envelopes, stickers and markers.
For older children, e-mail is a great way to keep in touch.
Discuss
advantages of the new location with your children according
to their interests, such as nearby amusement parks, museums,
zoos, etc.
If possible,
take your children on a tour of your new town or city and
home before the move to acquaint them with their new surroundings.
Discuss
decorating ideas for your child’s new room including
a memory door. Compile favorite photographs from family and
friends from the location you are leaving and plan to decorate
a door in your child’s room with the photos.
Pay attention
to what your children have to say about the move and address
their concerns.
Keep to
your children’s daily routines as closely as possible.
Don’t
pack your children’s favourite belongings until the
last minute.
Once you
have arrived in your new community, visit your child’s
school to speak with his or her counselor about orienting
your child to the new school and school programs. Advice the
counselor of any special interests of the child and ask for
recommended clubs or programs.
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