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Children and Residential Moves...

Children who seem depressed by a move may be reacting less to the relocation than to the stress of their parents settling in to a new area. Sometimes one parent may be against the move, and children will sense and react to this parental discord.

If the child shows persistent signs of depression or distress, parents can ask their family doctor, their pediatrician or the local medical society to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose and treat physical as well as emotional problems that may affect children as a result of stress. The child and adolescent psychiatrist can also help parents learn how to make the new experience easier on the entire family.

To make the move easier on children, parents may take these steps:

• Explain clearly to the children why the move is necessary.
• Familiarize the children as much as possible with the new area with maps, photographs or the daily newspaper.
• Describe advantages of the new location that the child might appreciate such as a lakes and parks.
• As you settle in, get involved with the children in activities of the local church or synagogue, PTA, scouts, YMCA, etc.

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