Moving This Summer? Here's How Parents Can Help Kids Adjust

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Summer is often moving season for families, but while packing boxes and settling into a new home can be stressful for adults, the transition can be just as challenging for children.

On the CBS 58 Morning News, educational consultant with Lakeside Education Services, Judy Cohen shared tips to help families make a summer move and the start of a new school year, a positive experience.

One of the first things parents can do is familiarize children with their new surroundings before school starts. Cohen recommends driving or walking through the neighborhood and spending time around the school. For younger children, even playing on the playground can help make the environment feel more familiar.

If possible, parents should also arrange a tour of the school before classes begin. Seeing classrooms, lockers, the cafeteria, library, and gym can help ease first-day jitters and make children feel more comfortable.

Cohen also encourages parents to connect with school staff before the year begins. Reaching out to teachers, obtaining school supply lists, and finding recommended summer reading materials can help students feel prepared and confident heading into the new school year.

For families with children who receive special education services, Cohen says it's important to schedule meetings with the child's educational team before school starts. This can help ensure a smooth transition and allow everyone to discuss support plans ahead of time.

Experts say children often experience many of the same emotion's adults do during a move, including anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Because children thrive on routine and predictability, moving to a new home and school can leave them feeling unsettled.

That's why parents play such an important role in setting the tone.

"Children take their cues from the adults around them," Cohen explained. Approaching the move with excitement, maintaining open communication, and acknowledging a child's concerns can go a long way in helping them adjust.

Experts also recommend giving children an opportunity to say goodbye to friends, teachers, and familiar places before moving. That sense of closure can help make the transition easier and allow children to embrace the next chapter with confidence.

While moving can be a big change, Cohen says preparation, positivity, and patience can help families turn what feels overwhelming into an exciting new beginning.