Moving has a huge impact on your family, even if you move within your neighborhood! Here are some factors to consider, and some tips for your moving process.

Moving a major stressor for everyone. Stress alone can contribute to depression and anxiety, but coupled with the other stressors of moving - the effect is compounded. Moving is a major undertaking for parents, and they are very busy and stressed out as is with the move, which leaves less time, focus and energy to help children with theirs.

The move itself is stressful, so even if it's considered an "upgrade", it doesn't feel that way to the child who's saying goodbye to a familiar place, especially if they need to say goodbye to friends. Don't assume your child will be able to understand that this is better for their future. Children are all about the "here and now". They need time to process and feel their feelings before they are ready to take on the adventure of moving and make new friends.

So what should you do?

Give yourself grace and space to feel your own feelings. It's normal to feel them and necessary for you to be able to move forward. Moving is a major life event. It will take time to adjust. Just because you feel guilt or concern doesn't make it a wrong decision... The important thing is to deal with your feelings and with your children's feelings, and not dismiss them.

Children need to feel safe and secure, parents can make the process better by letting the kids know the plan for the move, tell them what the process looks like and describe in as much detail... "we will pack our stuff in boxes, the big truck will take everything to the new place, we will follow in our car, your favorite stuffed animal will be with you the whole time..." etc.Kids have many concerns that we aren't even aware of... so let them ask questions. Take them to see the new place and neighborhood if possible. or show them photos. For younger kids you can read books about moving.If you know anyone from the new neighborhood, maybe you can introduce them... go shopping at a local store...etc... anything that can make it feel more familiar.Involve them in packing and labeling the boxes. Give them as much control as possible so they feel more secure. DO NOT throw away or give away any of their belongings without their consent.Give space for all feelings, but also give your child something to look forward to... maybe you can let them choose new things for their room, maybe there's a really special ice cream place you can't wait to try with them...

What should you do when you get to the new house?

1. Find other families in the are (you can try Facebook local groups, places of worship, the library, community center, school activities etc), find like-minded parents and try to get a playdate where children get to know each other.

2. If you are moving in the summer, call the school and see if they can help connect you to another family. You can also ask to have a tour of the school during the summer so it's not as scary on the first day.

3. Depending on your kids' age, find ways to maximize success with the first impression. This can be done in very simple ways like having fun snacks and a suggested activity that will sounds awesome (you know your kid, so it can be anything!). If needed, for younger kids you can help facilitate the playdate to maximize success.

Like any other life event, make space for all feelings. Resist the urge to tell your child everything is okay. In this moment, it doesn't feel okay to them. Validating emotions, giving tools for coping, allowing them to have as much control as possible, and supporting them in the transition process will all greatly help make the move smoother. You are their rock, and they will need you more than ever during this time. If you can take things off your plate to do that, please do!