How To Help Children And Youth Affected By Moving Often
Changing Addresses Often
Moving often can be extremely difficult for children & youth. Moving any time is stressful. Home and neighborhood stability are important parts of learning and knowing how to relax. Living in familiar surroundings helps confidence and feeling safe enough. Children & youth who move often have to get used to a new home, new neighborhood, new groups of other children & youth. Older children & youth will have a more difficult time with many moves because their friends are very important to them. Without support, relationships in later life can be shallow and having long time friends can be difficult. Progress in school can be slowed. However, if handled well, even frequent moving can be a positive experience leading to increased self-confidence and inter-personal skills. Strong family ties, good communication skills, and attending to the child or youth’s developmental needs really help.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Nature • Wholesome Pleasures • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Long Walks/Hikes • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Pets |
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For Parents: • Make sure to apologize to your child or youth for uprooting their lives often. • Spend time with family and friends who live in the same place for long periods of time. • If possible, revisit favorite places often. These visits can give a needed sense of stability. • If you have to move, involve your children or youth in the process. They may have to talk repeatedly about their feelings. Ask questions and listen. |
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Check out: www.parents.com. |