Moving Children

If you have young children, you’re well aware that leaving the house can be difficult. Even easily adaptable children have the occasional melt down when they’re told, “It’s time to go now.”

Dealing with their reluctance to get moving is just one of the challenges.  Decided what is needed for the time you will be ‘away’ is always an added stress.  Why is it that a simple trip to the park requires more packing than was needed for my honeymoon?

I’m truly amazed by the clients I meet who have moved their young children across the country (sometimes across the ocean) to a new city, a new school and a new home.

Relocation is stressful for any adult so it’s no surprise that it's even harder for children.  Moving means losing home, friends and all that is familiar to encounter the unknown.  It is a loss, and children go through the grieving process before they can positively adapt to such a change.

I can say from my personal experience, the negative effects of moving are temporary.  Most children adjust fairly quickly and make new friends.  I’ve also learned that the younger the child the easier that adjustment is.  

As a mother and a former transferee, I’m proud of the measures my company takes to welcome the trailing spouse and children.  The Temporary Housing we provide is the family’s first impression of the new city.  Ensuring their needs are considered and making them feel special, gives them reassurance they’ve made a good choice.

We can’t take away all the stress that comes from relocation, but we can make those first weeks a positive experience so everyone can more comfortably adjust to their new life.