Supporting Military Kids Through a Move

Practical Tips for Easing Transitions:

• Be honest and open.
• Let them ask questions and express their feelings.
• Reassure them that the important things won’t change. 
• Involve them in the planning and packing process.
• Celebrate their favourite things before the move.
• Plan some fun things to do in the new place.
• Make sure they have a chance to say goodbye to old friends. 
  • Find your new home on a map, then zoom in to see what’s around it
  • Let them pack some of their belongings, favourite items or a “first-day box” 
  • Ask what things they’d like to bring on the journey there

Reassuring statements:

• “I know this is a big change, but we’ll be okay.”
• “We’ll figure this out together.”
• “Let’s plan some fun things to do in the new place.”
• “We’ll make new friends and have new adventures.”

Questions to ask along the way:

Relocating can be a big transition for kids. Asking thoughtful questions before, during, and after the move helps them process the changes and feel supported. Here are some questions you can ask during each phase of the move:

Before the move –

1. How are you feeling about the move?
2. Do you have any questions about the move or our new location?
3. What are you going to miss most about our current home? 
4. What are you most excited about?
5. What kind of things do you want to do before we leave?
6. Are there any friends you want to stay in touch with after the move?
7. Is there something specific you’d like to bring with us to help us feel at home?
8. How do you want to say goodbye to your friends here?

 After the move – 

1. How are you feeling about the new place?
2. What do you think we can do to make our new house feel like home?
3. Do you want to talk about any of the things that feel different or unfamiliar? 
4. Is there anything you like about our new home or community yet?
5. What’s something you’d like to do here that you didn’t get to do in the last place?
6. How are you feeling about staying in touch with old friends?

All of the above can help create a supportive space for kids, allowing them to share their feelings and thoughts during the various stages of the move, with questions adjusted to suit their age and developmental level.