What is the easiest way to transition children into a new environment?

Question

Next year after school lets out I plan on moving to Georgia with my children. My oldest is 10 and already has doubts about the move. I know that they will all miss their friends and family but i am struggling right now in (NJ)!!! I am a single parent of 4 boys and I am trying to live off a PT job making ends meet the best way I can. I am just trying get myself into a predicament that will benefit my kids. I have not had FT in 4 yrs now and its tough, living paycheck to paycheck with 4 kids and no help I am doing the best I can. Any how I want to help make the transition an easy one for all of my boys. I want them to feel comfortable and safe. What can I do to ease there worries and fears? If I do not go we will continue on the same path, I just want to secure my family. Please help good strong advice only Thanks guys!!

Answer 1

As a mother to four and a single parent the most important way to prepare kids to move is to talk about it early and often.

Try to give your child as much information about the move as soon as possible. Answer questions completely and truthfully, and be receptive to both positive and negative reactions.

Even if the move means an improvement in family life, kids don't always understand that and may be focused on the frightening aspects of the change.

Involving kids in the planning as much as possible makes them feel like participants in the house-hunting process or the search for a new school. This can make the change feel less like it's being forced on them.

Provide as much information as you can about the new home, city, and state (or country). Learn where kids can participate in favorite activities. See if a relative, friend, or even a real estate agent can take pictures of the new house and new school for your child.

Answer 2

I'm not a parent but my parents moved a lot when I was growing up.  The best advice my parents gave me was to tell me to start saying "hello" to people my own age that I didn't know.  

New environment or not, most people don't know how to interact with other people. For example, how many people actually knows their neighbor's kid's names?  

Saying "hello" to someone else helps to get the ball rolling and helps to make new friends.  

By the way, while I was growing up, I went to 7 different schools in 12 years.  Instead of taking a gun to school and shooting everyone because of my inabilities to develop friendships, I was voted the friendliest male in my graduating class.  Again, I credit this to my parents teaching me how to say, "hello".