Moving with Children – Tips from a NYC Psychologist

by Paul Lenkiewicz

It’s important to prepare your children in advance for your move in New York City. It’s an exciting time for your family, and including your children in the process from the very beginning will help make it a positive experience.

New York City Psychologist, Dr. Lori Woodring, author of “My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move,” shares the top three things a parent can do to ease the transition and stress for kids.

1. Tell your children thoughtfully. Think about timing, environment and attitude before you tell your children. Be sure to tell them as soon as you know the news is certain, set the atmosphere for a well-planned conversation that allows times for feelings to be shared and questions answered, and remember to be positive but honest (it’s okay to admit that it might be hard).

2.  Prepare your children for the move. Get kids excited and involved in the entire process of moving, from researching their new neighborhood, community and schools, and decorating their rooms, to saying goodbye to the people and places they will miss most.

3. Allow children to express their feelings about the move – good, bad or indifferent. The more children express and label their feelings, parents can help them talk about ways to manage those feelings and children will be less likely to internalize or act-out negatively at a later time.

“My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move” is filled with engaging activities and tips for children and is a guide for parents to stimulate meaningful conversations with their children while providing strategies to manage any feelings that may arise.