Growing up as a military child, I know firsthand that moving and living far away from loved ones and friends is very hard. My parents, sister, and I moved to and from Florida to Massachusetts, and different places within Massachusetts multiple times. Entering into 4th grade when I moved to Florida and 7th grade when I moved back to Massachusetts was difficult to make friends and transition to new schools, as well as a new lifestyle.
However, experiencing it from a parental perspective is completely different. Over the summer, one of my son’s grandmothers moved out of state. We saw her at least once a month, whether it was for a fun adventure or a delicious meal (or both) before she moved. Now, she lives not just 30 miles away but more than 400 miles away. This life-changing transition was very hard on all of us, especially my son.
Whether you are the family that moved, or someone close to you has moved, use these easy ways to cope with moving far away:
Keep special items
When she moved, she said that she would keep my son’s toothbrush, some of his favorite toys and books, and of course, the snuggle buddies. This definitely makes visiting her easier because he has his favorite and familiar items at her house.
Set aside time together when visiting
Whether you visit, or your company from far is visiting you, set aside time to read, make cookies or a meal, have play dates, enjoy the outdoors, or whatever was done for fun before the move.
Stay connected
We like to video chat with her. During these chats, not only do we catch up, but we also like to play virtual games, read, and have a dance party….don’t forget the special graphic effects. We also like to send pictures and videos to each other through our digital frames (there are a lot to choose from on Amazon). You can also send letters and care packages to each other, too!
Resources and ideas for support
For books, check out: “Moving Day” by Patricia Polacco, “Under the Same Sky” by Robert Vescio, “I’ll Love You From Afar” by Racha Mourtada, or “Gotta Go, Buffalo” by Lucy Darling.
You can also check out the new place on Google Maps and Images to see the home and neighborhood. You can even visit if it is close enough. This can get exciting to find new adventures, places to explore, and different foods to try.
If you can save for a “travel fund,” you can put money aside every week or month for flights or other transportation…or for that awesome adventure.
Make sure to have open and age-appropriate communication about the process. Be sure to let your child/children know that it is ok to miss people and be sad, but keep things positive about the process.
And remember, “Side by side or miles apart, we are always connected through the heart.”
