• Encourage your child to take part in the moving process as much as possible. Younger children can help back some of their favorite items to help them realize that although the family will be in a new home, their belongings will stay with them.
• Once you’ve selected your new house, show your child where his or her room will be. Draw a sketch of the room layout and let your child take part in determining where he or she will place the furniture.
• If your budget allows, perhaps help your child choose a new décor for the new bedroom. If nothing else, new paint in a bright color is an inexpensive way to brighten up the room and give your child a sense of personalizing his or her new room.
• For toddler-aged children, speak with pediatricians regarding such issues as the introduction of a new diet or the start of toilet training.
Let your child take part in decision-making.
Above all else, communicate with your child throughout the process.
Children are creatures of habit and any disruption in their daily routine will naturally prompt reactions, whether it’s a rebellious attitude among teens or tantrums among toddlers. Let them know it’s normal to feel sad and anxious, but help them through the transition and emphasize all the wonderful new experiences that lie ahead.