It is recommended to let the children know the real reasons for the removal. It is important to be cautious in our excitement to inspire the other to the idea of relocating, so that we do not promise things we will not be able to fulfill. Children have to have enough time to talk to their friends about their relocation, to exchange pictures, addresses and to say a proper goodbye. They need time to get accustomed to the idea of relocation and to come in terms with coming removal. Some children need more time and some need less time. You should observe and listen to the child during this time with more attention.


Younger children can not fully understand what relocation really mean. This is also the reason, why we do not talk to these children much about removal before the actual removal. They are concentrated more into the present and can not comprehend the concept of the time fully yet. The removal should be presented to them through pictures, stories and game. We should play with them transporting toys with a truck from one location to the other, from one house to the other.


Preschool children are usually already quite curious and they like to observe. It depends on the character of the child, whether we will encourage him to observe the removal or not. It must be understood that a child can be really sad seeing how his home, he is attached to, gets emptied, how it changes and gets abandoned. If a child can be present during removal, some of his toys must be prepared and put aside. These toys must be ready to comfort the child if necessary and they must not be put in a box for the removal service to pack them with the rest of the things. We should never throw away child’s toys during preparations for removal, especially not without his approval.


During removals there is some considerable draft and a lot of dust. It is recommended to think about where we will go with the child during that time, how we will protect him.


Especially for school children and teenagers it is really difficult and painful to say goodbye to old accustomed environment. It should be explained to them, that with relocation they are not going to loose their friends. They will be able to stay in contact with them and visit them occasionally, if they will want to. Consolation that they are going to get new friends is not advisable. They are emotionally bound to their friends so consolation in that direction is not going to help. We would give them a wrong lesson, that their friendships are not important and easily replaceable.


Whenever is possible, we should invite children to help with decorating a new home. We can give them a free choice under our guidance, to choose colors and furniture for their room. It is advisable to take children’s suggestions serious and appreciate their effort.


With the removal the whole environment as well as the way of life, changes for everybody in a family. This is a huge change not just for adults, but for children as well. Just as adults need their time to adjust to the coming changes regarding removal, also children need their time to adjust to the coming changes, to grieve for their old home, for their old environment. The time needed for that is not the same for everyone. Through this period a child’s teacher can be of a great help, to support a child when saying goodbye to their peers. Teachers and other professional staff in new kindergarten or school can be of a great help as well. They can monitor and encourage a child to easier adapt to new school, new environment and new peers that may become his new friends. .