How to Help Your Kids with Moving
How to Help Your Kids with Moving
Moving is hard for anyone, but it can be especially difficult—or even scary—for our little ones who may not fully understand what’s happening. Thankfully, as parents, we can ease the transition and help our kids navigate the change. Every move is different—maybe it’s just down the street, or maybe it’s across the country. No matter the distance, here are some tips that can support your children through the process… and maybe help you, too.
For example:
Will your kids need to share a room when they’re used to having their own? Talk together about how to make that transition easier for everyone.
Are they going to miss their favorite ice cream spot? Create a fun tradition of trying a new local ice cream place every Friday until you find a new favorite.
Are they worried about missing grandma? Set up a weekly FaceTime schedule ahead of time.
Having these conversations before the move can help your kids feel more prepared and secure.
Do Transitional Activities Together
Transitional activities can help honor your child's feelings while gradually easing into the idea of change. Here are some suggestions:
Pack together. Let your kids help pack up their belongings. Talk about why you’re moving and what their toys’ new home will be like.
Write goodbye letters. Encourage your children to write letters to their favorite people and places. Let them express what they love and will miss.
Make a memory book. Create a photo album or scrapbook of favorite memories, people, and places. Older kids might enjoy taking their own Polaroid pictures of what’s most meaningful to them. Keep the book somewhere special so you can revisit those memories together.
Encourage Open Communication
Kids are perceptive. Pretending nothing is happening doesn’t help anyone. They can tell something’s going on, and surprising them with a big change can feel unsettling. Even if it's difficult, kids—like us—need time to process, grieve, feel, and understand.
It’s our job as parents to make space for these feelings, even when they’re uncomfortable. Helping children learn to navigate hard emotions is one of the most valuable tools we can give them.
Keep Conversations Positive
While it’s perfectly okay to share your own honest (and age-appropriate) feelings, it’s helpful to keep conversations about the move generally positive. Look at maps of the new area together, research fun things to do nearby, or have your kids draw their dream rooms. Help them see that even though change can be hard, it can also bring new opportunities and excitement.
Utilize Parenting Resources
There are tons of parenting resources out there—but which ones are actually helpful? Here’s a short list of curated resources you might find useful:
TV Shows
Songs
Books
Final Thoughts
Take a deep breath. You're doing great—and this is hard stuff. Your kids will be just fine as long as they feel secure in your presence. You are their constant, and that’s what matters most.
About The Author
Jorden Groenink, MS, LMFT, APCC a lisenced marriage and family therapist (AMFT136162) and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC12906), supervised by Jeremy Mast, MS, MDiv, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT (CA90961). She has been trained in Experiential Therapy and loves working with couples and individuals who want to experience a more fulfilling life. Jorden wholeheartedly believes that every person is worthy of love and relationship. When not working with clients or listening to audiobooks, Jorden enjoys spending time with her family (husband, dog, & cat) and doing DIY projects around her house.
