Moving to a new home can be exciting, but along with the excitement also comes stress. The stress of moving can be even harder on kids than it is on adults. Children often have a difficult time accepting change and when looked at from their point of view, it's not hard to understand how relocating to a new home is a change that affects every aspect of life in their little world. Combining thoughts of a new home, new bedroom, new neighborhood, new friends and a new school with those of leaving behind so much that's familiar, can be extremely overwhelming.

There are some simple steps you can take to help ease your child's anxiety over moving.

1. Being actively involved in the moving process, helps many adults cope with the stress of relocating. Give kids age appropriate moving chores and choices to make (e.g. what color will their new room be painted) to help them feel involved in the process.
   
   
2. Help your child view all the new experiences they have to look forward to as an adventure.
   
   
3. If at all possible, plan your move around your child's academic year. It's much easier for kids to walk into a classroom for the first time at the beginning of the school year.
   
   
4. Planning your move during the summer vacation months could also offer the opportunity to involve your child in community activities such as little league, church camp, etc. This is a great chance to foster new friendships prior to starting the school year.
   
   
5. Having a moving schedule can help kids know what to expect and when.
   
   
6. Openly address your child's sorrow over the "endings" they will face. Adolescents are especially prone to feeling distraught over leaving all their friends behind.
   
   
7. Emphasize that you're moving as a family. The familiarity and strength of the family unit can be an important anchor for kids to focus on.

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