Helping Kids Cope With Moving: 5 Gentle Ways to Ease the Transition

Moving Is Hard — Especially for Kids

For adults, moving may feel like a checklist: pack the boxes, call the movers, change your address. But for children, it can feel like the end of the world. Their home isn’t just a place—it’s a source of security, familiarity, and love. So when that’s taken away, the emotional toll can be deep.

Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, here are five gentle ways to help your child cope with a big move—and one special book that can help make the transition just a little bit easier.

1. Talk About It Early—and Often

Give your child time to process the move by talking about it well in advance. Keep the conversation age-appropriate, but don’t shy away from honesty. Let them know what to expect, and encourage them to ask questions. Knowing that their feelings are heard and validated can go a long way.

2. Create a “Goodbye Ritual”

Rituals can help give kids closure. This might be a small farewell party, a photo album of favorite memories, or even writing a letter to the home they’re leaving behind. Helping them say goodbye gives them the space to honor what they loved while preparing for what’s next.

3. Introduce Books That Reflect Their Feelings

Reading stories about characters who go through similar experiences helps children feel seen and understood. One standout title is Happy Home! a heartfelt children's book about a house named Hank who cherishes the family inside him until one day, they have to move away.

Happy Home! by Michael Bishop Jr

Told through Hank’s eyes, Happy Home! explores love, loss, and what it means to let go. It’s a comforting read for children dealing with change, showing them that feelings are valid and home can exist in the heart—not just in four walls.

4. Focus on What’s Staying the Same

While everything around them may feel like it’s changing, point out the things that aren’t. Their favorite toys, bedtime routines, siblings, and even family pets will still be with them. Highlighting this consistency creates a sense of stability.

5. Let Them Make Choices

Moving can feel like a loss of control, especially for young children. Allow them to have a say in small things: what color to paint their new room, which toys to unpack first, or what route to take on the drive to the new house. Empowering them helps ease anxiety.

The Right Story Can Make a World of Difference

Books like Happy Home! don’t just entertain—they heal. They help children name their emotions and feel less alone in them. If you're preparing for a move, consider adding Happy Home! to your reading list.

Click here to order your copy of Happy Home!

Your next chapter awaits and with a little care and comfort, your child will be ready to turn the page.