The prospect of moving always brings anticipation. It means excitement, meeting new people and getting to know new places. But most of all, it gives a family an opportunity to lean on one another and rediscover the fun of sharing and caring about a new life and a new home! This section focuses on the children's emotional needs and reactions to the transition, with advice on making your move as happy as possible for them and an enriching family experience.

The three key factors to a child's happy anticipation of the move and successful adjustment to the new environment are:

•  the parents' positive frame of mind
•  the communication between the parents and the child
•  the active involvement of the child in the preparation for the move.

Babies and very young children need only be kept comfortable with as much maintenance of their usual daily routine as possible. They will be least affected by the move.

Toddlers

Let them know about the move shortly before it takes place and be sure that they know they will be going with you.

Moving is a very busy time and they may not receive the usual amount of attention. Try to spend a little extra time with them. Make the moving process an adventure with related games and stories.

Let them pack their favorite treasures. Familiar possessions will make the transition easier.

Pre-Teens

Children this age will be more aware of the move and of leaving their friends. They may have difficulty accepting the change.

Tell them gradually about the move. First, try and drop hints that the family might be moving and stress the positive aspects of a relocation. Later on, when you feel the children are ready to accept the news, tell them about the upcoming move.

Let them take part in the planning stages. Let them make the decisions about which of their possessions they should discard and which they can take. Consider taking the time to help them organize a garage sale of their discards. They will enjoy making some extra pocket-money. Give them change of address cards from the post office to complete and send to their friends, as well as an address book to record their friends' addresses, phone numbers and birthdays.

If you have a floor plan of your new home, let them decide about how their rooms might be arranged. If possible, it is better for a young child's room to be arranged so that the light from the door and window comes from the side the child has been used to when he or she is in bed. When you have moved, arrange the children's rooms as quickly as possible and let them unpack and arrange some of their best-loved toys.

Pre-teens will usually ask a lot of questions about the move and the new city or area. Have your answers ready and keep a good stock of positive suggestions as to why moving is going to be great!

Teenagers

Teenagers are involved in a wider range of social activities. They have more interests and have developed special friendships. For these reasons, they may be most disturbed about moving.

Plan to spend a lot of time with them. Make sure they know the reasons for the move and, if possible, include them in the decision-making process. Also, let them share in the process giving them specific and important responsibilities during the move out of the old house and into the new home, according to their ages and abilities.

With time, and your love and understanding, any negative feelings will decrease and the move will be perceived as a personal growth experience for the entire family!

THE TRIP TO THE NEW HOME

If time permits, the trip schedule should include adequate time for rest, sightseeing, exercise and regular meals. If applicable, make hotel reservations in advance and obtain confirmations shortly before the move.

Young children will be more content in the car if they can look forward to some activities. Packing colouring books, United's "Kid's Activity Book" (available through your Moving Consultant), travel games, story books and favorite toys. Also a few surprises will make the trip more of an adventure.

Older children can be responsible for some of the everyday chores of an extended journey, such as navigating, keeping the car tidy, choosing the day's car games, packing, and checking rooms before leaving the hotel.

Prepare a checklist that will ensure that you will be taking with you only the items you feel are necessary for a safe and comfortable journey. Do not forget to include paper towels and premoistened wipes, litter bags and a first-aid kit with upset stomach medicine.

AT DESTINATION

After the move, there are several things everyone can do to become acquainted with the new community and its residents.

As soon as you receive your new telephone directory, become familiar with its contents. Record the numbers of all emergency services. Locate the government listings - federal, provincial and municipal. Take note of the services available in your area. Use the Yellow Pages to locate goods and services.

In 350 communities across Canada, WELCOME WAGON hostesses will be happy to visit you at your new home to provide interesting community formation and a welcome package from local merchants. Your Moving Consultant can provide you with a Welcome Wagon card to request this service.

If you are experiencing difficulty in locating information concerning services available in your area, contact the community information centre. Centres are operated under a variety of names and are sometimes hard to locate in the directory. If you cannot find the listing, try the local Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade Office, or local library.

To break the ice, ask your neighbours for information about local services, activities, organizations, events, shopping, transportation and local customs. Even if you are not settled completely, welcome any neighbours who call and encourage your children to bring new friends home!

Help your children join in those leisure time activities that appeal to them. Adults and older children may also want to join some of the programs available through the Recreating Department, the "Y", adjust education classes, etc. to meet people with similar interests.

Moving will mark the start of a new period in your family life. With everyone working together, helping one another and adopting a cheerful attitude toward the move, the relocation will become a happy and broadening experience for every member of the family. And ... before you know it ... you will all feel very much at home in your new surroundings!