- Include the children in making plans for the move. For example, take them house hunting with you.
- Through play-acting with dolls, boxes and a wagon, children can get a feeling of "moving".
- Help your children learn about the new area.
- Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated.
- Encourage children to exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends.
- Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, a few favorite toys and maybe a new toy, for the move.
- Take a "family break" as soon as the major unpacking is done. Don't try to do everything when you arrive, take everything slowly and let things get on track.
- Parents should spend time after the move listening to each child about new schools and new friends.
- Follow progress in new schools. Accompanying your children to school the first few days may ease tension.
- If your move involves suburban to rural, or vice versa, inform your children about the new situations they will face.
Give Plenty Of Notice
When you are moving out of state, it is important to give early notice to your children's schools that you are moving so they can prepare the necessary documents you will need to take to the new schools. You also have to let utilities, internet, and telephone companies, your bank, credit card companies, the electoral board, and other important agencies know that you will be moving and provide them with your forwarding address. If you have any magazine or other subscriptions, let them know well ahead of time that you are moving as well.
In addition to letting schools and agencies know that you are leaving, you should also let your new location know that you are moving to the area. Make sure to let new schools know when you are arriving so your children can start attending as soon as you get settled. If possible, try to get your new state driver's license issued prior to your arrival.
