Vandover Transitions | Resources for Relocating with Kids and Teens
Relocating can be difficult for anyone, but parents often have a challenging time when moving. Looking for ways to help children adjust to the new area can be complicated. Your kids might be concerned about finding friends, as well as keeping in touch with friends and family from the old location. Other concerns may be related to finding activities that they will enjoy. Books, blogs and articles can be a starting point for your family to discuss the concerns that your children have about your move.
Books
There are many books about moving that are written for children. These books can be a good point of reference for starting conversations. The International Reading Association has a list of books about moving on their website. The list contains many picture books aimed at elementary school and younger children.
The About.com guide to moving has a list of books about moving for children up to 8 years old and a list of books about moving for preteens ages 8 to 12. I personally have read Alexander, Who?s Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move and Anastasia Again, and both of these books display children?s reactions to the news that their families are moving. In each of these books, the main characters are unhappy about the idea of moving, but they eventually become excited about living in their new locations. Each touches on the ideas of finding new friends and staying in touch with old friends.
Blogs
Blogs can be useful for several reasons: you can read blogs for ideas on how others have handled moving with children, or you can start your own blog to document your adventure for your old friends.
The Vandover Transitions Blog has articles for parents about relocating with teenagers, as well as relocating with young children. These blogs are written for parents with ideas for helping those age groups easily transition into the new area.
The Blog Expat Mum?s Blog has information generally related to relocating overseas; however, some of the information included could be useful for all parents.
Articles
There are many online articles about moving with children and teenagers.
The National Network for Child Care has an excellent article about moving with children in various age groups.
Parenthood.com has an article about moving with teens, which offers advice on helping teenagers with the relocation process. Parenthood also has an article about making moving easier for children, as well as helping kids cope with moving. Each of these articles could be useful for parents looking for information on helping their children with the move.
Relocation can be a complicated time for any family, but these resources can help your family communicate about the move and ensure it is a successful relocation.
Elizabeth Carter is on the Research Team at Vandover.
Tags: Acclimation, Communication, Family, Moving, ResourcesFor additional resources for relocating with children, you?re invited to visit Vandover?s new website: RelocatingKids.com.
Source: http://vandovertransitions.com/2012/07/31/resources-for-relocating-with-kids-and-teens
mothers day gift ideas natalee holloway scotty mccreery megan fox pregnant metta world peace suspension apple earnings report john l smith