How to ease a child's anxiety if a move is in your future

Summertime may mean vacation time for some families, but for many military families, it also means moving time.

Many families with school-age children do their best to plan their move during the summer to alleviate the stress of transitioning during the school year. However, a summer relocation does not necessarily equate to a stress-free move.

For children and teens, moves are difficult no matter what time of year they’re made. Before the school year ends, there are a few things to consider to make the move a bit easier.

Most important is honest and open communication. No one, including a child, wants to be surprised with a move. Understandably, exact dates may not be available. However, most children will appreciate knowing that a move is in the near future and that they may not be returning to their current school in the fall.

It always helps children to know they aren’t alone and that others have been in a similar situation and have done well. Books and websites allow children to connect with others and feel a little more comfortable with an upcoming move.

Here are some great book ideas that can be found at a local library:

“We’re Moving!” by Heather Maisner and Kristina Stephenson. When Amy and her family move into a new house, it takes some effort to make it feel like home. Great book for infants and toddlers.

“The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day,” by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain. The Bear family tells the story of when they moved to their tree house in Bear County.

“I’m Not Moving, Mama,” by Nancy White Carlstrom and Thor Wickstrom. When moving day comes, Little Mouse refuses to leave his room.

“Who Will Be My Friends?” by Syd Hoff. Freddy moves to a new neighborhood and spends the entire book looking for new friends.

“Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move,” by Judith Viorst, Ray Cruz, and Robin Preiss Glasser. Angry Alexander refuses to move away if it means having to leave his favorite friends and special places.

“Let’s Move Together,” by Carol M. Schubeck. This book was written to help children and parents communicate about their feelings surrounding moving and ways to adjust to the big transition.

“A New House: Activity Book for 4 - 10 Year Olds,” by Jill Wenzel. The games and activities in this book are designed to help children adjust to living in a new house.

“The Moving Book: A Kids’ Survival Guide,” by Gabriel Davis. This practical handbook is divided into three sections: before the move, during the move and after the relocation. It contains useful tools for children to stay in touch with their friends, such as an address book and change-of-address postcards.

“Footsteps Around the World: Relocation Tips for Teens, 2nd Edition,” by Beverly D. Roman, Dalene R Bickel (Editor). This workbook-style text is written for teenagers facing a relocation. It offers organizational checklists, recommends journaling and gives communication advice. Some of the information, specifically websites, is dated, as it was published in 2001.

If getting online is easier, here are some website ideas to help as well:

www.defenselink.mil/mtom/ MTOM (for Kids & Teens) was developed by military kids, for military kids, with real stories and good advice on how to make a move a good thing.

www.militarychild.org An excellent resource for military children resources.

— Call the NBVC school liaison officer at 989-5211 or e-mail monica.james@navy.mil with any K-12 questions.