Moving With Children: How to Support Your Kids Through a Big Transition

Moving to a new home is a major life event—especially for kids. While adults may focus on logistics like packing boxes, coordinating movers, or navigating the real estate process, children experience a different kind of disruption: the loss of the familiar, routines, and social connections.

A recent REALTOR.ca article, Moving With Children: How You Can Help Your Kids, outlines practical and thoughtful ways parents can make a move easier on their kids—emotionally and mentally.

Here are some of the top takeaways:

Talk About the Move Early—and Often

Children often feel anxious when they're left out of important conversations. The article emphasizes the importance of preparing kids early by:

• Explaining why the move is happening.

• Talking about when it will take place.

• Reassuring them about what will stay the same.

These conversations should be age-appropriate, open-ended, and ongoing. Giving children space to ask questions and express their feelings helps them feel safe and seen.

Acknowledge Their Emotions

Kids may not always have the words to articulate what they’re feeling, especially during a life change like moving. Watch for signs of anxiety, sadness, or resistance, and validate their emotions instead of minimizing them.

Letting them know it’s okay to feel nervous or upset helps normalize the experience. The article also highlights that some kids may act out or regress a little—this is normal and often temporary.

Get Them Involved in the Process

Helping with the move—no matter how small the task—gives children a sense of control and belonging. The article suggests involving them in:

• Packing up their own belongings.

• Choosing paint colors or room decor for the new home.

• Labeling boxes or helping sort items to donate.

Feeling included gives kids a sense of ownership over the process and reduces anxiety around the unknown.

Introduce Them to the New Neighborhood

Familiarity eases fear. Take time to explore the new neighborhood before the move if possible:

• Visit nearby parks, libraries, or ice cream shops.

• Drive by their future school or daycare.

• Attend local events or farmers’ markets.

The more comfortable and connected they feel to the new environment, the easier the transition will be.

Give Everyone Time to Adjust

Don’t expect everything to settle overnight. As the article points out, some children may bounce back quickly, while others take more time to adapt to new routines, friends, and surroundings.

Patience, consistency, and reassurance go a long way. Creating some predictable routines early in the move can help re-establish a sense of safety and structure.

Frame the Move as a Positive Opportunity

With the right support, moving can actually help kids build resilience and adaptability. The REALTOR.ca article notes that many people reflect back on a childhood move as a moment that helped them grow and learn new things.

Framing the experience as a new adventure—rather than just a disruption—can help shift the mindset from fear to excitement.

Final Thoughts

Helping kids through a move isn’t about having all the right answers—it’s about creating space for connection, conversation, and emotional support. This article is a great reminder that moving isn’t just a logistical challenge; it’s an emotional journey for the whole family.

-Breanne