20 Ways to Help Children Adjust After a Move

Summer time and the livin' is easy...

Remember that old song? Well, your summer is far from easy if you're moving; and a lot of us move in the summer. So how can we make the move a little easier on the kids? The following are some of Susan Miller's suggestions from chapter 14 of her book, 'After the Boxes are Unpacked.'

1. Christen Your New Home
Tie a big bow - one for each of your children on the front door. When the child cuts his or her bow, take a picture to put in your moving day scrapbook.

2. Create a Personal Calling Card
Type your new address and phone number in columns with a two-inch margin. Fold on lines above and below each address so you and the children can tear them off for friends.

3. Have A Family Party
All you need are cookies, punch, and talk. Remember, talk can be more refreshing than cookies and punch.

4. Don't Skip Breakfast
A good breakfast gives your kids the energy to start the day.

5. Personalize Your New Yard
Encourage your kids to plant seeds or flowers in the yard. Explain how we all have to root and grow in new soil.

6. Encourage Friendships
Encourage your children to invite friends home after school. You provide the pizza.

7. Daily Routines Provide Security
Establish a routine as quickly as possible.

8. Ask Before You Toss
Don't do away with old toys and familiar possessions. They may give your child a feeling of continuity.

9. Pride In Ownership
Let your child take part in decorating his or her room.

10. New Traditions
The old traditions are still very important to your family; however, a new house is a great time to add some new traditions.

11. Listen, Listen, Listen
Don't preach or teach; instead give your kids lots of hugs.

12. Grieving Is Part Of The Moving Process
Allow your children to mourn their losses in the move.

13. Get Them Involved
Ask neighbors or your church about a good youth program for your children to get involved with.

14. A Little Something Extra
Write 'I love U' or 'Have a great day!' on their napkin in their lunch boxes or on a piece of paper tucked in their notebooks.

15. Keep In Touch
Allow each child a five-minute, long-distance call to a friend in their former town.

16. Stay Positive
Provide lots of reassurance for them.

17. Pray
Pray for your children every day.

18. Bedtime Routines
Tuck younger children in at bedtime.

19. Christ-Centered Home
Give them roots in Christ, family, and home.

20. Keep Them Confident
Give them wings of freedom to move forward in their journey of life.

Another great reading resource from Susan Miller is 'But Mom, I Don't Want to Move.'