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Relocating Our Smallest Movers |
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 Of the 43 million plus people who relocate every year, approximately
one-fourth are children.
The challenge of relocating children is
becoming more significant due to increasing numbers of single parents,
dual career families and grandparents raising grandchildren.
A little known fact is that children who frequently relocate repeat
grades more often and experience more behavioral problems versus
children who seldom or never move.
Emotional Challenges
Children have a difficult time projecting themselves into another
environment. They only see what they are giving up. Having to leave
friends, schools and their favorite activities can be devastating for
children. In addition, parents feel helpless because they realize that
their decision to relocate has caused the stress their children are
experiencing.
I advise parents to never underestimate the effects relocation can have
on their children, even if one or several of them sailed through the
last move. It's important that parents first of all explain to their
children that they are moving, including the reasons why. Children
should know that the entire family will be working together to realize
a positive relocation experience. When questions and concerns are
raised by the children, parents should listen very carefully,
addressing each issue in a meaningful way. Children adjust, or do not
adjust, in different ways and at different speeds. Some may seem to
adapt well at first and then later slip back, or vice versa.
Building awareness among relocating families about the possibility of
non-adjustment, and providing the resources to assist them, is a
significant part of achieving successful relocation. Parents need to
closely watch their children's behaviors for at least the first six
months. Some non-adjustment indicators are detailed in Relocation 101
(domestic) and Home Away From Home (international) our books for
relocating adults.
Remember, when children are miserable and lonely, a day at school can
seem like an eternity. Parents have to pencil school visitations into
their schedule, no matter how busy they are. During these visits they
can speak to the teachers and visit class activities to see for
themselves how their children are adjusting. Another means to develop
awareness is to hold frequent family meetings. These get-togethers will
provide an opportunity for the entire family to talk about their new
location, school and work while sharing their feelings and challenges.
How Companies and Organisations are becoming Involved
The challenge of achieving successful family relocations deserves a
high priority among corporate policies, and with some, it is.
Increasing numbers of corporations, the military, missions and
organizations such as USA Girl Scouts Overseas are taking steps to
address the challenge of relocating children. They are supplementing
their policies and needs with relocation literature; attending
transition seminars such as the annual Families in Global Transitions
Conference in Indianapolis, IN; conducting in-house orientation;
utilizing selection programs and offering cross-cultural training for
the entire family. Many companies are also establishing employee family
feedback systems to improve the process and decrease relocation
failures.
It is not possible to place a value on the loss of days, weeks or years
by a child or spouse due to a failed relocation. If employers could
actually be present when parents are trying to explain to their
children why it is important for them to move and leave all their
friends, sports teams and schools, they would be convinced helping
children and teenagers is a key aspect of achieving successful family
relocation.
At BR Anchor Publishing, moving young children and teenagers is a very
high priority. Our books for the smallest movers help them through
their moving challenges, and our domestic and international books for
adults prominently feature children’s and educational issues. To read
sample chapters and book reviews, and to read school study about
children and relocation visit www.branchor.com/publications.htm
© Copyright 2001, BR Anchor Publishing
 Reprinted from Relocation Today, Vol. 3, No. 3. 2001, by Beverly D.
Roman, publisher and published by BR Anchor Publishing, Wilmington, NC.
Beverly is the author of twenty relocation titles. Her electronic
newsletter, Relocation Today, mails to 50 countries. Contact her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or +1 910.256.9598.
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First Steps 
