Moving can be a stressful experience for children, which means parents have an important job: You get to be the ones to prepare your kids. How do you do this? What are the best ways to communicate with your children about what’s ahead? Here are some key tips for setting your kids up for a successful move.

1.     Start early. Nobody likes to have something scary sprung on them suddenly. The sooner you let your kids know about an upcoming move, the better. This way, they have ample time to get used to the idea.

2.     Talk openly and often. As your kids begin to process the fact that their life is changing, they’ll have questions — and you can talk through them together. When they know you’ll listen to their fears and talk through their questions, they’ll feel safer and more stable. Try to empathize with your kids, validating their feelings of fear or frustration. At the same time, work together to create solutions to challenges. Discuss what changes are coming and communicate clearly about what to expect.

3.     Give them some responsibilities. School-aged children will typically prefer having some agency in the moving process. So rather than controlling every detail of their move, let them help. What parts of their room could they pack? Would your organized child like to help you plan a to-do list? Could your older kids team up to run errands for you? Being involved in the move can help make it feel less daunting.

4.     Introduce them to their new home. Try to take your whole family to visit their new neighborhood and house before moving day. If it’s nearby, go spend an afternoon walking around and scoping out cool features. If it’s farther away, plan a weekend to get to know the area and find attractions that will interest your kids. This can make the prospect of moving a little more exciting and a little less scary.

5.     Keep some constants. Part of what makes moves so hard is the disruption of routine. Kids thrive on predictable rhythms that make them feel safe. That said, there are lots of ways to preserve some sense of normalcy. What traditions could you continue even while you’re unsettled? Friday night pizza? Saturday park days? Tuesday tacos? Whether you keep doing soccer practice or schedule music lessons that continue into your new home, it will help your children feel more comfortable.

6.     Prep an essentials bag. The moment when your long-distance or local movers arrive is not the time to look for a favorite stuffed animal or sweater. To ensure your kids have the essentials that they rely on day after day, pack a bag of essentials for each child. This bag should include necessities such as clothes and toiletries, as well as beloved toys, games and/or trinkets that will soothe stressed nerves. Bonus tip: Include a few favorite snacks to munch on while transitioning.

7.     Stay positive. Kids look to parents to understand new situations. If you stay positive and upbeat during the move, they probably will, too. Pay attention to the ways you’re talking and expressing emotions about the move. Be honest, but be positive, too. This tells your kids they don’t need be afraid. You’re calm, so they can be, as well.

Relocation presents serious challenges for a family — but you will get through it together. Care about your kids’ emotions, keep an open dialogue about their concerns and prepare to create stability and comfort where you can. For more information on getting through a move with kids, take a look at the attached resource.