I glanced at my calendar and realized that in just over a year my son will be preparing to move onto a college campus, and it brought back so many memories of us moving into our house. Moving is one of those things that’s exciting and exhausting all at once. There are boxes everywhere, furniture in the hallway, and a to-do list that just won’t quit. For adults, it’s a major life shift, but for kids, it can feel like their whole world is being turned upside down. For us, it was all that and more because we moved into our current home just before COVID shut the world down. We said yes to the address and had a new house, the kids had new rooms, we had different neighbors, and everything was unfamiliar. Then suddenly, there was a whole added layer of stress. It was a lot to process for my kids hearts. Looking back, there were some things I could have done better. But there were some things that I did well to help our kids walk through a big transition like this with grace, peace, and maybe even a little joy? How did we hold space for their questions, their tears, and their hopes? Here are tips for helping kids cope with the stress of moving.
Even if your move doesn’t center around a worldwide pandemic, you can bet your littles have some big emotions that go along with it.
Talk About the Move Early and Often
Kids are observant. They can sense when change is coming, even if no one has said a word. Don’t wait until the last minute to bring them into the conversation. Even young children can benefit from gentle, age-appropriate explanations. Let your kids know what is happening, when it’s happening, and why. Be clear about what they can expect, and be honest if you don’t have all the answers yet. The more they feel included, the less fearful the change becomes. If it’s not possible to take them to visit the new home beforehand, show them photos of it. If it’s local, you could also map out the route from the old house to the new one or even draw pictures together.
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)
Including them in the journey shows them that their feelings matter and that they are part of the team.
Create Space for Big Feelings
Your child may feel sad, angry, confused. It is also possible that they may feel all three in the space of ten minutes. That’s okay. Even still, they may not able to identify their emotions as they experience them. That’s okay, too. Moving is a big deal for grown-ups, and it’s even bigger for kids who thrive on familiarity and routine. Let you children know it’s okay to feel upset or unsure. Encourage them to express their emotions verbally and through play. The A Little SPOT Emotional Regulation Box Set and A Little Spot Mix and Match Kids’ Craft Kit is great for teaching younger kids how to express their feelings.
Give your children permission to grieve what they are leaving behind, even if you’re excited about what’s ahead. Instead of rushing to “fix” or explain away their feelings, try saying something like, “That makes sense. I’d feel that way too,” or “I’m really going to miss that park too.”
For older kids, consider giving them a journal. The How I Feel and Stuff Journal for Teens is a printable mental health journal that I designed for teens.
It includes a stress level tracker, an anxiety tracker, a medication tracker, goal-setting pages, a therapy note page, a journal page, planner pages, a safety plan, coloring pages, and more.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
God draws near in sadness and uncertainty, and so can we. Our presence and patience go a long way. Remind your kids that while all emotions are welcome, all behavior is not. Their big emotions are not a free pass for behavior that would not otherwise be accepted in your family dynamics.
Keep Some Things Familiar
When everything around your child is changing, even a little familiarity can be deeply comforting. Think about what routines or items help your child feel safe and secure. Do they have a favorite blanket, a certain cup they use, or a bedtime prayer you always say? Keep those things close and consistent during the transition. Let them pack a “comfort box” with special items they want to carry with them to the new place. That way, they have something tangible to hold onto when everything feels new. If possible, set up their new room before tackling other areas of the house. Letting them see their space come together first can create a sense of stability. We prioritized the kids rooms over the kitchen, and it made a huge difference.
Involve Them in the Process
One way to help your kids feel empowered during a move is to give them age-appropriate tasks. Whether it’s labeling boxes with stickers, choosing paint colors for their new room, or deciding where their toys will go, involving them in small decisions can go a long way. We all know that decluttering is essential before moving, and having kids help with that process is a great idea because then they will not be surprised when something is missing when you arrive at your new home.
For older kids, let them help plan how to say goodbye to friends or choose a special “goodbye day” activity before the move. It helps them process closure and makes room for new beginnings.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NKJV)
When they contribute, they feel valued, and that’s something every child needs during a big life change.
Mark the Goodbyes with Care
Whether your kids are leaving a neighborhood best friend, a beloved teacher, or just the tree they climbed every day, goodbyes matter. Help them say farewell in a way that brings comfort and honors their connections.
Ideas include:
- Drawing pictures or writing letters to friends
- Making a photo book of their favorite places
- Creating a short video message or memory reel
- Hosting a simple goodbye party with neighbors or schoolmates
As you mark the goodbye, remind them that their memories will always go with them. They don’t have to leave their heart behind.
Give Grace in the Transition
Don’t be surprised if emotions run high or behavior regresses during or after the move. Stress shows up in different ways. You may see more tantrums, clinginess, withdrawal, or even a short fuse. Offer extra hugs, speak gently, and keep reminding yourself: this is temporary. Kids may not know how to say “I’m overwhelmed,” but their behavior might be telling you just that.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Grace. grace. A double portion whenever possible. For them and for you. Moving can be messy, and that’s okay.
Settle Into New Routines Together
As soon as you’re able, begin to re-establish routines in your new space. Even if it’s as simple as bedtime prayers, family meals, or Saturday pancakes, these rhythms help kids feel anchored. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start with what matters most: connection.
One of the things we did with our kids was to pray over our new home. We prayed over the rooms, thanked God for the new space, and asked Him to fill it with His peace.
“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18 (NKJV)
Let your home be a place where you pursue peace, not perfection.
Stay Connected to Your Faith Community
If you’re moving to a new area where it will be possible to continue attending your old church, know that it can be hard to say goodbye to your old church or faith community. Help your kids grieve that change while gently preparing them for the joy of building new connections. Once you’ve moved, prioritize finding a new church home and getting plugged in. Let your kids meet other families and explore age-specific ministries that make them feel included. If you’re still in the process of finding a new church, keep family devotions, prayer time, and worship music going at home. Let them see that Jesus goes with you. He’s not just at your old church.
Share the Hope in the Change
Even in the hardest transitions, there is hope. And kids, more than anything, need that reminder. You can gently point out the ways God is working in your family’s story. Maybe it’s a new job, a fresh start, a closer support system, or something else entirely. Talk about how God is leading you, and invite them into the conversation.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
God’s plan isn’t always easy, but it is good. Keep returning to that truth together.
Celebrate the Little Wins
Each step your child takes during the move, whether it is unpacking a box, making a new friend, remembering their way around the neighborhood, is a big deal. Celebrate those moments. Cheer them on. Speak life over them. Things like…
- Look at you, you’re doing such a great job finding your way in this new place.
- I saw how brave you were introducing yourself today.
- You’re not alone, sweetie. We’re in this together.
Those words matter more than you know. Make sure they know you see them doing the hard things in the move.
Friend, moving is hard. But it’s also holy ground. It’s one of those seasons where God shows up in the packing and everywhere in between. Trust me. And as you guide your child through this time, you’re not just managing stress, you’re sowing seeds of security, trust, and resilience. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to show up with love, patience, and a little extra grace. God’s got your kids in His hands. And He’s walking with your family every step of the way. As I said, there is plenty I wish we had done differently, and with the pandemic at play we certainly didn’t get it all right, but here’s what I know… God is a keeper of promises, and His promises are yes and amen. Like this one in Isaiah…
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought… You shall be like a watered garden.” Isaiah 58:11 (NKJV)
So breathe deep. Keep pointing their hearts toward peace. And remember this, you’re doing better than you think. You’ve got this, Momma. And He’s got you.
Speaking of big feelings… there are approximately 400 days between now and move in day for fall semester 2026 for my boy. Not that this Momma is counting or anything. Whewee. Who said my kids could grow up?
