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Moving to a new home and new school can be upsetting for some children. Helping them to prepare for the move will make the adjustment less stressful.

· Get them excited about moving. Show them pictures of their new room, and give them ideas of where things can go. If you are painting, let them help choose the colour, and give them some freedom to decorate.

· Be prepared that the first night sleeping in a new place might end up becoming a sleepless night. Reassure your child that it takes time to get used to a new home.

· Take a tour of the school. Helping them to become familiar with what the school looks like and how to get to their classroom, the lunch room, etc., will ease any stress they might have the first day they attend.

· Encourage them to make friends or talk to someone in their class to help break the ice. If they can’t do it the first day, encourage them to do it when they feel confident enough.

· If they are walking home from school or need to take the bus, go over the details of the bus route, the pick-up and drop off times, and give them a back-up plan in the event something goes unplanned.

· Attend the first day of school with your child; meet the teacher, and leave when you know your child feels comfortable.

· If the school has team sports, art groups, music group, or other clubs, help them to get involved in something that they are interested in.

· Get them involved in extracurricular activities happening outside of school and in your community. Community centres usually offer programs for children of all ages.