Moving Children Between Two Households

Children Moving Between Two Households

If you have children that are living or moving between two households, there are things to consider to help make the transition smoother. For instance, understanding their temperament and how they deal with change impacts how you as a parent should react and respond during transition times. Which of these three types fits your children’s personalities?

• Is your child an easy child, one who responds well to change?
• Is your child one who resists change and lets you know it?
• Is your child slow-to-warm up, one who needs more time to get used to new situations?

In thinking about your children’s temperament look at the tips listed below. They come from the University of Minnesota Extension booklet, We Agree: Creating a Parenting Plan.

• Help them pack - let them decide on a few familiar things that will make them feel comfortable in either home.
• Reassure your children - let them know that both parents love them.
• Tell them you will never leave them.
• They may show anxiety before going to the other parents home. Realize their anxiety is probably due to a new routine.
• Talk positively about time they’ll spend with the other parent - it helps them see the importance of being with both parents and know its okay to go.
• Pick up your children during a natural transition time in their day - before or after an activity is a time they are used to "switching gears".
• Pick up your children without starting an argument with the other parent - if you cannot, find a place such as school or daycare where you won’t have to interact with the other parent.
• Explain how long they will be with the other parent.
• Use a calendar - it helps show when they are in different households.
• Do not make your children messengers.
• Keep the focus on the children - when you ask about their time in the other home.

Ellie McCann, Extension Educator, Family Relations