Moving and Stress in Children: How Parents Can Help
Summer can be a time of great transitions for children, often involving moves to new homes or preparations for a new school year, which can bring about worries and stress. However, with the right support from parents and families, children can not only manage these changes but also potentially look forward to them and gain trust, according to experts.
“If routines, familiar places, and even the knowledge of where things are in the house are suddenly gone, it forces young people to learn their daily life from scratch,” says Victoria Kress, a professional consultant and president of the American Counseling Association. At the same time, “this can invite exciting growth opportunities,” she notes.
Supporting Children Through Transitions
The book “Freeda The Frog is on the way” by author Nadine Haruni aims to help school-aged children navigate these transitions. Haruni, who led her own family through several moves and changes, tells the story of a mother frog that helps her little tadpoles adjust to leaving their hometown and settling into a new one.
“It is really important to see that transitions take time and that is completely normal. It is okay to feel nervous and sad and anxious and maybe all of these things at once, and even adults sometimes feel that way,” says Haruni. She emphasizes the importance of listening to children, suggesting that “if you listen, you may be surprised. What is important for a child is not always what you may think.”
Moves can be particularly challenging if they are accompanied by other significant changes, such as death, divorce, or a loss of family income. Haruni’s book was inspired by her family’s multifaceted transition, which included moving from Manhattan to New Jersey, getting married, and starting at a new school, all within the same week.
Tips for Reducing Stress in Children During Moves
Experts offer several tips to help reduce the stress of a move or another large transition for children:
“Communication and listening can alleviate a lot of fear,” says Haruni. “Let children share their feelings and know that they are heard so that they know that they are important. That really helps you to have control.” Explaining why a move is necessary and providing a preview of what is ahead can also help. Discussing the positive aspects of the goal in advance can increase familiarity and confidence in children.
Including children in the moving process, such as packing their own belongings or choosing new room decorations, can convey a sense of control and security during an uncertain time, according to Kress. Children can also help plan meals, organize their space, or continue family traditions.
Maintaining daily routines can provide structure when things feel new and scary. “The thing with moves is that they disrupt everyone’s life. Too much change all at once, so meals and bedtime rituals can help,” says George M. Kapalka, a clinical psychologist and professor at the California School of Professional Psychology.
Considering professional help is also an option. “Some sadness, worry, or adaptation difficulties are normal after a move. However, if the symptoms last more than a few weeks, worsen over time, or disrupt everyday life, then advice is advisable,” says Kress.
Originally published: August 22, 2025, at 9:10 a.m. CDT. For more information on how to support children through moves and transitions, visit Here
Source: www.twincities.com
