Question and Answer

We're going to move to another state in a few months. I know it's going to be tough for Chuck and Marcie, who have so many little friends at school. How can I get them ready for life in a new city?

Moving to a new school or a new town can be an unpleasant experience for children, but there are some ways to make it easier for them.

Preparation and forethought are the keys. Educator Cheri Fuller recommends those who are about to relocate to call a family meeting to talk about what's going to happen. Begin to lay plans together. It's sad to say good-bye to good friends, and it's hard to make new ones. Try establishing pen pals for your children in the new school long before the move is to occur. Relationships can blossom through the mail so that the kids are not entirely unknown in the new location.

It's also helpful to create curiosity about the new city or neighborhood you're moving to. Write to the state tourist bureau or to the chamber of commerce and ask for brochures and maps. When your children begin to understand the adventure of moving, they may develop a more positive attitude toward leaving.1

A bit of preparation and a healthy dose of communication can help clear the way for a smoother journey to a new home.

1 Focus on the Family, "Preparing Children for Learning," Cheri Fuller, guest, 29-30 August 1991.

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