Relocation

Relocation forces people to deal with the consequences of the disaster constantly. Included with the loss of possessions is a loss of privacy, independence, and familiarity, and increased uncertainty. These transfer to children. Family roles and schedule are disrupted - 2 important signals of stability and safety for children.

There are several factors that impact a child's emotional well being when it comes to relocation.

1)      How parents and other family members react
2)      The duration
3)      Their natural coping style and emotional reactivity
4)      How well they can stay in touch with family, friends ,and familiar activities

There are things we can do to help them to adjust:

—       Provide opportunities for them to see family and friends - if the move is to far for a visit, use Skyp, phone calls, and letters.
—       Bring special personal items to where you are staying
—       Daily routines – you may not be able to return to a fully functioning schedule but include what you can, especially those that include the entire family.
—       Provide opportunities for them to share their feelings, concerns, and fears - be present and loving, don't just assume a counselor will do it for you.
—       Be sensitive to the disruption and responsive to their increased needs
—       Remember each child’s different and their responses will vary even within a family