by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: May 21, 2010

Moving can be a stressful and sometimes frightening experience for parents and children alike, but in some cases, the reality of having to leave behind their old friends and undergo the process of making an entirely new set of friends can be particularly distressing for children. Many parents mistakenly believe that younger children adapt to moving quicker than teenagers, who might have long-standing friendships that have developed over the course of several years. However, it is important to remember that elementary and middle school-aged children must also undergo a period of adjustment after a move, and that they, too, often need their parent's help in making new friends.

The following are several ways to help your children make new friends when they move to a new city or town:

-Encourage your children to get involved.

One of the simplest ways to help your children make new friends is to encourage them to become involved in their new school, church, or community.  The National Mental Health Association suggests that getting children involved in camps, after-school programs, and clubs is beneficial not only to children but also to parents, as it is an opportunity for you and your spouse to become friends with adults whose children are involved in the same activities. However, keep in mind that children will have a far better chance of making friends and enjoying these activities if they are permitted to choose sports, clubs, and programs that they are genuinely interested in.

-Arrange play dates or outings with new classmates.

Depending on the age of your children, arrange play dates for them or encourage them to invite new classmates to your home or on a family outing. As the Military Youth on the Move website mentions, this allows your children and their new friends to get to know each other in a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Also, if you extend the invitation to include the parents of your children's new friends, then it provides yet another opportunity for you and your spouse to form friendships as well.

-Keep in touch with old friends.

While it is important for your children to make new friends in their new location, it is equally important that they stay in contact with the friends they had to leave behind. The American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children website suggests that parents encourage children to write letters and make phone calls to their old friends and if possible, allow them to visit their former neighborhood or invite

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