The following tips often help children adjust before, during and after a family relocates.

Tips

• Include the children in making plans for the move. For example, take them house-hunting with you.

• Help your child(ren) learn about the new area.

• Through play-acting with dolls, boxes and a wagon, children can get a feeling of "moving".

• Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated.

• Encourage children to exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends.

• Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, and a few favorite toys for the move.

• Take a "family break" as soon as the major unpacking is done. Don't try to do everything when you arrive.

• Parents should spend time after the move listening to each child about new schools and new friends.

• Follow progress in new schools. Accompanying your child(ren) to school the first few days may ease tension.

• Any lingering abnormalities (loss of appetite, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, menstrual disorder) should be reported to a doctor.

• If your move involves suburban to rural, or vice versa, caution children about new situations they will face.