Why Do We Have to Move?

Children and Moving – Divorce/Separation

Moving to a new community may be one of the most stress-producing experiences a family faces. Moves can be especially hard on children and are even more difficult if their parents are going through a separation or divorce.

Sue Cook of Family TLC says that your child may experience the following:

Interrupted Friendships “When am I going to see my friends again? “I miss them and I don’t have anyone here to play with”.

“Why do I have to go to a new school”? A new school and schedules may cause Anxiety and Stress.

Children in kindergarten or first grade may be particularly Vulnerable as they are just in the process of separating from their parents and adjusting to new teachers.

“Why is my teenager Protesting the move?” “Why doesn’t he want to move?”

Some youngsters may not talk about their distress, so you should be aware of the warning signs of

Depression, including changes in Appetite, Social Withdrawal, and a Drop in grades, Irritability, Sleep Disturbances or other dramatic changes in behaviour or mood.

“Why is my child being so difficult?” Children may seem depressed by the move but in fact it is because one parent may be against the move, and children will Sense and React to this parental discord.

These are all common reactions and there are strategies that will help.

Explain Clearly why the move is Necessary and familiarize your children with the new area.

Describe Advantages of the new location that the child might appreciate such as a lake, mountains or an amusement park and after the move get Involved with the children in Recreational Sports & Activities, such as hockey, soccer, brownies, cubs etc.

If a son or daughter is a senior in high school, consider the possibility of letting him or her stay with a Trusted family until the school year is over

Let children Participate in designing or furnishing their room and help children Keep in Touch with friends from the previous neighbourhood through telephone, letters, e-mail.

With the proper attention from parents, and professional help if necessary, moving can be a positive growth experience for children, leading to increased self-confidence and interpersonal skills.

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