HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH MOVING
6-3-97
Moving is stressful for everyone. But it is particularly stressful
for children because they don't know as many ways to cope with
a new situation.
One out of five American families moves to a new home each year.
It often takes as long as 16 months before children begin to feel
comfortable in their new home.
Some families experience a stressful time two weeks before and
two weeks after a move. For many families, the actual move is
a time when everyone pitches in and works together. Reality starts
to sink in about a month later. People then begin to realize how
much they miss friends and places they left behind. Confusion,
frustration, and anger are common emotions at this time.
If the move is coupled with financial problems, a death or divorce,
this can make the problem worse, stretching children's coping
skills to the limit. Short-term counseling may help children through
this challenging time.
Some specific ways you can help your children cope with a move
include:
6/3/97 (Updated version of 10/10/93 release) cmo
Lesia Oesterreich
Family Life Specialist
Iowa State University Extension
1086 LeBaron Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-0363