| Announcing the Move |
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Page 1 of 2 About eight million kids move with their families each year. And, unbeknownst to them, 99.7% actually survive the move. And an astonishing number even benefit from the move—whether or not they like it. Moving upsets everyone. Routines change. Emotions boil. Fears emerge. Confusion reigns. Especially in children. How can you break the news? A family meeting is an excellent way to tell your children about a move. Home is the best place for the meeting, especially around the dinner table. If you don't have frequent (or any) family meetings, take everyone to dinner and broach the subject. But, if you're expecting fireworks, have dinner in a neighboring town where no one knows you. Sound tough? It can be. Here are some tips. Back Savers Mobility magazine, published by the Employee Relocation Council, includes articles about relocation and children. You can reach the publisher at 800-372-5952 or visit their Web site at erc.org. Break it to them gently. Tell your children the reason for the move. Tailor your explanation to their age. The youngest children only need to know that mommy or daddy has to work at a new office in a new town—or that the family needs to be closer to grandma and grandpa to help them. Older teens will want and deserve to know more. They can understand that the family needs the increased income of a better job—or whatever the reason for the move. They may not like the move, but they will probably understand the reasons behind it. Here are some useful tips:
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