Relocation is a very important experience in an individual's life-it is a time of change and transition, and also a time full of stress and chaos. These negative feelings towards moving can sometimes affect a child's behavior and emotions, adding to the anxiety. Children, like adults, are equally impacted by this transition; they are also leaving their well known school, playground, friends, and their place of comfort-their room. However, people should not let the difficulty associated with moving interfere with the process and your children, which is why we compiled some tips to help you to better assist your children. Contacting your moving professionals, such as First Class Van Lines, would provide you with further information on how to make the move comfortable for all family members.

1. Tell Your Children About The Move As Soon As Possible. If you hide the move from your children, you are making it even more difficult for them and they too, will begin to resent the move. Your children need just as much time if not more to adjust to the idea of moving and to be able to process and accept the changes. Try to answer all of their questions and be as detailed as possible. They need time to say farewell to their friends as well. Hold a family meeting and ask everyone to stay at the kitchen table after dinner, or turn off the television and hold it in your family room. Just make sure all members are present and that it is not held at a public place-this may create even more stress and anger.

2. Share With Your Children Why And Where You Are Moving To. Once your child knows the reason for the move it will make it easier for them to accept it! Be honest: "both mommy and daddy found a new job so we are moving closer to the new office." Tell your children the good things that will come from this move, and why it will be better for the entire family. Give them the advantages to moving.

3. Welcome Your Children's Questions. Make sure to provide them with all the information they want or need about the new location. Always give the most accurate and honest answers you possibly can. Allow your children to be upset. Let them ask a million questions. Let them storm off to their room. Above all, let them talk. Children need to know they've been heard.

4. Use Maps And Pictures. Show your children on the map the new state, town or neighborhood you are moving to. Have pictures (if possible) of the new home and surrounding area. Your children will be able to visualize the move more clearly. You can also tape a calendar to your refrigerator that will count down the days to the move.

5. Reassure Your Children That Their Life Will Not Change Dramatically. Let your children know that their daily routines will stay the same. For example: nap time during the day or bedtime stories, eating their cereal in their favorite bowl, classes and courses they use to take (i.e. - gymnastics, soccer and even boy/girl scouts). Tell your children that you're all in this together, that the move will be something that they all work together for, that you'll need their help. Let them know that if they are worried or angry or frustrated, you will help them through it.

6. Encourage Your Children To Create An Address Book. Make a list with your child that contains their best friends, close neighbor, a teacher or a coach that they would like to stay in touch with. Make sure to write their address, phone number and e-mail address.

7. Give Your Children The Layout Of Their Room. By letting your child have their own room plan and letting them take a part in decorating it, they will most likely be more excited and participating about moving than you had anticipated.

8. Help Your Children Plan Their Goodbye. Saying goodbye is a very important stage in the process of moving. Whether it is a big party for all of their acquaintance or a small gathering; try to accommodate their wishes as much as possible within reason. Perhaps allow them to share the experience with a friend; they can keep them company and will decrease the stress.

9. Make Time To Visit Your Children's Favorite Places. Whether it is the park near your home or their favorite pizza place or ice cream place, make sure to have time to go to these places for the last time. Ask your child to make a list, or make a list with the entire family, then set aside time each week to do at least one favorite thing. If you decide to do this as a family, make sure everyone is included. Make a calendar and mark out the days and event/place you'll go. This will prepare your child for saying goodbye to special places.

10. Ask Your Children To Help With The Packing Of Their Own Room. This way they will be much more involved in the moving process. Encourage them to either add to the garage sale or donate toys, books and other items that they do not think they will use or play with again. Show children how to properly pack and label a box, then make a "packing date" where both you and your child spend time sorting and packing. Children will find it easier to do these tasks if the entire family is also involved. Reward "packing dates" with pizza or movie nights.

About the author: Alena is an owner of First Class Van Lines, a Toronto moving company that provides local, interstate, inter-provincial, and North American relocation services to Canadian and U.S. residents no matter the time of the year or the distance. She has been involved in the industry for numerous of years and understands the chaos and turmoil that is often associated with moving. www.torontolocalmovers.com