| How to Move With Children - section 3 This is the final | | | | here?" Being honest is important to maintain your child's |
| section of a three-part, in-debth article about moving | | | | confidence in you as a parent, so providing answers |
| with children and will provide more tips on how to | | | | such as, "Because that's what we have decided" will |
| make your child's move a pleasant and successful | | | | not help ease their mind. |
| one. | | | | Visual Tools Use as many tools as you can to help |
| The age of your child should determine the approach | | | | them feel involved in the move. Maps are great for |
| you take when explaining why you have decided to | | | | older children. Use the maps to show where your |
| move. Children that are a little older are more capable | | | | family is moving, and together, try to find the new |
| of grasping the importance of the move. They likely | | | | school, grocery store, parks, and other attractions. If |
| would be more tolerant, for example, toward the fact | | | | you will be driving to your new home, draw the route |
| that grandma is getting old and needs attention. | | | | together and plan the stops along the way. |
| Younger children, however, may have difficulties | | | | Remember, it should be an adventure, so don't just |
| understanding the real reasons for the move. For | | | | make it about getting there. |
| example, it may be hard to explain why dad's | | | | Pictures are better than maps when it comes to |
| promotion cannot be turned down. It is important, | | | | young children. Together you can flip through pictures |
| however, to provide them with good reasons for the | | | | of the new location so that they may relate to it more |
| move to make them an active part of it. | | | | easily. If you will be moving to Los Angeles, for |
| You should be prepared for a discussion and be ready | | | | example, show them pictures of Universal Studios or |
| for questions like, "Why can't dad find a new job | | | | the Los Angeles Zoo. |