Moving
ranks as one of the top ten most stressful events
in a person's life. This factor is magnified when
children are involved in a move. However relocation
is a fact of life for many families in today's mobile
society. Here are a few ideas that may help your
children adjust to (and may be even look forward
to) moving to a new city.
Timing and Telling
If possible do not move after school has finished
for the year. Many child psychologists and teachers
say that children (of any age) adjust better if they
arrive in a new school while there is still time
to make some new friends before the summer break.
Tell your children about the upcoming move as soon
as the decision has been made.
Even if you have some doubts about the move (especially
if it is a job transfer you didn't feel should be
turned down) try to be positive about the move. Make
it sound exciting.
Don't try to convince (or bribe) your children to
accept the move by offering something they wouldn't
ordinarily receive. (E.g. offer to buy a car for
a teenager who refuses to move and who insists on
staying with friends or relatives). It is better
if the whole family can move together (an exception
might be a short stay to complete a school semester).
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