Moving is stressful for everyone. But it is particularly stressful for children because they don't know as many ways to cope with a new situation. One out of five American families moves to a new home each year. It often takes as long as 16 months before children begin to feel comfortable in their new home.
Some families experience a stressful time two weeks before and two weeks after a move.
For many families, the actual move is a time when everyone pitches in and works together. Reality starts to sink in about a month later. People then begin to realize how much they miss friends and places they left behind. Confusion, frustration, and anger are common emotions at this time. If the move is coupled with financial problems, a death or divorce, this can make the problem worse, stretching children's coping skills to the limit.