How to Help Your Child Cope with Moving

Jun 25

Child is anxious because their parents sold their home and are moving. Child sees play therapist in middlesex nj for anxiety about moving.

Moving can be an exciting yet challenging experience for everyone in the family, especially children. The process of leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines can trigger a range of emotions in children. However, with proper guidance and support, parents can help their children cope with moving and turn it into a positive and enriching experience.

In this blog, we will explore practical strategies and tips to assist your child during the transition and create a smooth moving process.

Communicate openly and honestly

Before and during the moving process, it is crucial to maintain open lines of communication with your child. Explain the reasons for the move, such as a new job opportunity or a better living situation, and emphasize the positive aspects of the change. Encourage your child to express their thoughts, concerns, and emotions, and address them with empathy and understanding. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and that you are there to support them throughout the transition.

Parents provide child with the choice to pick the color of their new bedroom after seeing a play therapist in Middlesex NJ for play therapy for anxiety about moving

Involve your child in the decision-making process

Empower your child by involving them in certain aspects of the move. For example, you can let them help with packing their belongings or allow them to choose the color scheme for their new room. By actively participating in the decision-making process, children will feel a sense of control and ownership, which can alleviate anxiety and make them more invested in the move.

Familiarize them with the new environment

If possible, visit the new neighborhood or city with your child before the actual move. Explore local parks, schools, and other places of interest. This will help your child become more familiar with their future surroundings and reduce the fear of the unknown. Additionally, take advantage of technology by using online maps and virtual tours to showcase the new house and community.

Maintain routines and continuity

Maintaining a sense of familiarity is crucial for children during the moving process. Try to keep daily routines as consistent as possible, such as mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and extracurricular activities. Familiar routines provide a sense of stability and normalcy amidst the changes. If possible, involve your child in the selection of their new school or extracurricular activities, so they can have a say in continuing their interests and hobbies.

Child speaks to friends virtually after moving and seeing a play therapist for play therapy in middlesex nj for anxiety about moving

Preserve connections and create new ones

Leaving friends and loved ones behind can be one of the most challenging aspects of moving for a child. Encourage your child to exchange contact information with their friends, and explore virtual means of communication to stay in touch after the move. Help your child understand that while they may be physically apart, their friendships can still be maintained and cherished. Once settled in the new location, actively seek opportunities for your child to make new friends, such as joining clubs, sports teams, or community activities.

Explore the new community together

After the move, take time to explore the new community with your child. Visit local parks, libraries, museums, and other places where they can interact with peers and engage in new experiences. Building a sense of community and belonging will help your child adjust more easily to the new environment.

Be patient and understanding

Every child responds to moving differently, so it is essential to be patient and understanding throughout the adjustment period. Some children may adapt quickly, while others may take more time to settle in. Be prepared for changes in mood, regression in behavior, or signs of anxiety. Provide a listening ear, offer comfort, and be supportive as they navigate through their emotions and adapt to their new surroundings.

Moving can be a significant change in a child's life, but with support from parents, it can become an opportunity for personal growth and resilience. By maintaining open communication, involving your child in the decision-making process, and providing a sense of familiarity and continuity, you can help them cope with the transition more effectively. Additionally, by familiarizing them with the new environment, preserving old connections while creating new ones, and exploring the community together, you can foster a sense of belonging and facilitate the adjustment process.

Remember to be patient and understanding, as every child responds differently to change. With your guidance and support, your child can navigate the moving process with confidence and create a positive and enriching experience in their new home.

Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Middlesex, NJ. Janine specializes in childhood anxiety, childhood OCD, childhood trauma, and supporting children who experience neurodivergence such as ADHD and Autism. She also specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

*This blog is not a substitute for therapy. To schedule an appointment, please click below.