|
Moving to a new community and school may produce
stress and anxiety for your child. Moving away
from friends, familiar surrounding 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 child's daily routines as
closely as possible.
- Don't pack your child's favorite belongings
until the last minute.
- Once you have arrived in your new community,
visit your child's school to speak with his
or her councilor about orienting your child
to the new school and school programs. Advise
the councilor of any special interests of
the child and ask for recommended clubs or
programs.
 Go
back to Resources
|
