5 Practical Tips to Help Kids Cope with the Stress of Moving
Here are some ways to help your kids handle life’s transitions during a move.
Though life is filled with ongoing changes, trying to prepare your child for big changes like moving is not always easy. Change can be exciting, but for kids, it often comes with a lot of questions (and sometimes a few tears). Whether you’re trading your Brooklyn brownstone for a new neighborhood or leaving your apartment for a different one, moving can feel overwhelming to children (not to mention parents!), especially if it’s their first time.
If you have a move in the works, now is the perfect opportunity to help your kids feel secure, supported, and ready for the adventure ahead.
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We consulted award-winning children’s author and Bergen County, N.J. mom Nadine Haruni, who helps young readers navigate the challenges of moving in her charming and relatable book, Freeda the Frog Is On the Move. Through the eyes of a lovable frog family experiencing a big change, Haruni offers comfort and understanding to children facing similar transitions.
She shared five simple and thoughtful tips to help kids feel more confident and calm when everything around them is changing so rapidly.
Communication is Key: Open, honest conversations help ease anxiety. When your child is preparing for a big move, explain what to expect and why it’s happening. Invite them to ask questions, share their feelings, and be part of the planning process. Feeling heard can help them feel more in control.
Create a Positive Atmosphere: Frame the experience as an adventure. Let kids help pack and choose what to bring to their new room if you’re moving. Involve them in picking out new supplies or decorating their new space with items familiar to them from home. Turning the unknown into something exciting can ease nervousness.
Maintain a Sense of Routine: Big changes can feel less overwhelming when some parts of life stay the same. Try to maintain consistent routines before and after the move, especially in the days leading up to the move. Regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, or favorite snacks can offer comfort and predictability.
Familiarize Them with the New Environment: Help kids feel more grounded by exploring their new surroundings together. If possible, visit the new neighborhood before moving. Show them photos online or a map of the new neighborhood, talk about daily activities, and, if possible, take trips to the parks near your new home.
Be Patient and Supportive: Transitions take time, and emotional ups and downs are regular. When adjusting to a new home, give them space to express their feelings. Validate their emotions and let them know it’s okay to feel nervous, sad, or even excited all at once.
Freeda the Frog Is On the Move is the third book in Nadine Haruni’s series, following Freeda and her growing frog family as they navigate the challenges of moving to a new home, city, and school. Aimed at helping children cope with big life changes, the book includes fun activities like a coloring sheet and word find to engage young readers.
Nadine Haruni is the award-winning author of The Hat Diaries fantasy trilogy for teens and adults, and the Freeda the Frog children’s series, which promotes acceptance and helps kids navigate real-life challenges. In addition to frequent appearances at author events and in the media, Haruni is a practicing attorney, certified yoga instructor, and proud mother of a blended family of five.
Psst… Check Out Our 2025 Guide to NYC Neighborhoods: Brooklyn
