Before the Move

• Inform the children of the move as soon as possible and explain what is about to take place.
• Keep an open dialogue with your children throughout the entire move and be open to their feelings.
• Get the children involved in the move. Let them pack their special possessions and label the boxes.
• Unfamiliar places can be overwhelming and scary so try to get as much information about schools, park district, museums, same shopping mall stores, as possible.
• Try to arrange to bring the children on at least one house hunting trip and visit their new school and classroom.
• Emphasize the similarities of the new and old environments.
• Help them decide where they will place their furniture in their new bedroom.
• Encourage the children to start an address book, scrap book, or do a home video with special friends and, if possible, plan a visit for a return trip.
• Check with your local library or moving company to see if they have special books for children about moving away.
• Keep family rules in place and try to be consistent.
• Let the children keep a special possession with them when travelling.

After the Move

• Children mirror what they see! Try to be very positive.
• Have them get their bedroom design out so the movers will know where to put their furniture.
• Spend some quiet personal time with the children and encourage them to talk about their feelings.
• Suggest they decide what activities they would like to join and plan a day for registering-but don't rush them if you feel there is a lot of resistance. Children will adjust at their own pace.
• Ask your Realtor to find out the names and ages of other children living close by your new home and arrange for a day of introduction.

Safety Tips

• Help the children learn their new address, phone number, meet a new neighbor in case of emergencies.
• Establish boundaries when it comes to biking, walking, and how long it will take to come home from new parks and playgrounds. Discuss what areas are off limits for now!
• Rehearse getting on the school bus and let them know if they should expect you to be there when they get off the bus.

Linda Price

RE/MAX of Naperville       Direct: (630) 753-1333       Office: (630) 420-1220 x3083       Toll Free: (800) 638-1220

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Copyright © 2007 Linda Price and LP Real Estate, Inc. All Rights Reserved