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In order to successfully adjust to a new
environment, a child must first feel secure about what has been left behind. Parents can
help a child say good-bye by creating a scrapbook with addresses and photos of old
friends, along with pictures and memorabilia from favorite places. It is also a good idea
to have a farewell get-together where children can hand out their new address to their
pals. A child needs patience and assistance in
becoming comfortable with the new surroundings. These suggestions can help to ease the
adjustment process:
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If your new home was previously occupied by
children, ask the family to leave the names, ages and addresses of children in the
neighborhood, along with a list of popular play areas. |
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Take family walks around the neighborhood to
get a feel for your surroundings and to meet your neighbors. |
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Help your children create a neighborhood map
showing the locations of the school, playgrounds, and other areas where they will be
spending time. |
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Learn about community involvement opportunities and
activities at your church, recreation center, and library. |
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Take a field trip to school to allow your child to become
familiar with the location of the classrooms, library, gymnasium, playground, rest rooms,
and bus stop. |
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These activities help shift the focus from the hustle and
bustle of unpacking and organizing to providing quality family time learning about the new
community. |
As parents start to plan for the big moving day, they should
remember how anxious and weary they felt the first time they had to move. And when that
tiny hand tugs on your shirttail, or a tiny voice asks if they can help, remember the one
thing that’s the easiest to break during a move -- is a child’s heart. A hug and
a smile can be very strong glue.
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