Family Issues: Children

Kids Are Transferees, Too

By Pandra W. Dickson, CRP

November 1995



In Brief...
The impact of a move on their children is a primary concern for transferees, and relocation administrators need to
keep this in mind in planning how to assist relocating families.


I first became interested in what relocation information was available to younger transferees a couple of years ago when I was
asked to speak on children's issues at a fall meeting of the Relocation Directors Council. It surprised me to learn how little
information actually was provided to "junior" transferees. Since then, I have waged a crusade to provide more resources to
relocating children. Unfortunately, in 1995, it seems like things have shown little improvement.

What are some things service providers can do to help ease children's transition? The following are some suggestions that do
not necessarily involve a large financial commitment, and may greatly assist the children (and, therefore, the parents) with the
relocation.

One of the best ways to provide children with information about the destination location is to send them their own relocation
packet (And I do not mean a coloring book thrown in with all the relocation information that goes to Mom and Dad!). Make it
a true relocation packet for kids. If it is within budget, have a colorful folder designed with graphics on the cover that will grab a
child's attention. If cost is an issue, a simple, brightly colored folder will serve the purpose. There are lots of things to go in the
folder that are available at no cost. A well-designed activity book with your company logo that addresses moving and serves a
wide age range of children would be great, but, perhaps not practical. Check with local van lines and insurance companies.
Some of them have coloring or activity books with their company logos that they will be happy to provide for free. If you
include a coloring book in the packet, do not forget to provide a small pack of crayons. An activity book could include a pencil
with your company logo.

Museums that offer children's programs also are happy to provide information in the form of flyers or brochures. Zoos, water
parks, amusement parks, and miniature golf courses have colorful pamphlets that appeal to children. They may even have
discount coupons. Coupons also may be available from fast-food restaurants where kids like to eat.

One of our local banking institutions has a wonderful fold-out bank (complete with shredded money) they supply for children's
packets. How about a simple address or autograph book that kids can take to their new destination as a reminder of their old
friends? Do you have balloons your company uses for special promotions? If so, include them.

Rand McNally produces state maps for children. They are colorful and have a clever way of introducing what attractions are
available statewide. A trip to the bookstore will reveal many children's books dealing with moving. Most of these are
inexpensive and employ such familiar characters as Mister Rogers and the Berenstain Bears.

In addition to providing the younger set with a well-thought out relocation packet, how about implementing a pen pal program?
Identify a group of children with diverse interests who would be willing to correspond with other children moving into the area.
This helps the "transferees" learn something about the destination from a contemporary's perspective before moving. It also
gives them the chance to make a friend before they even move to the area. Serving as a pen pal also is a worthwhile project for
the children already in the area. It gives them an opportunity to learn about other parts of the country or, perhaps, even a
different culture. And, it can help improve the writing skills of both children.

How about providing the same type of program for teens? As most psychologists will confirm, the older the child, the more
difficult the move. Children in their young teens, already faced with the insecurities of changing adolescence, are especially
vulnerable. Having made contact with a teen prior to their arrival can really help smooth the transition. Teens are concerned
with proper dress, speech, and fads of the area. Someone able to inform them of "what's hip" before they move can ease their
fears.

Putting together a video about moving for children is a major commitment of time and finances. There are, however, ways to
solicit outside assistance that may make it feasible. Look to the schools in your area for help. Many high schools have their own
recording studios. They may have the talent within the student body to write, perform, and even produce an entertaining video.
What could be more appealing than a film about teens, done by teens, for other teens? It could be done as a rap video and
address the fears teens are faced with about fitting in at the new school. The school district might even have funds available to
sponsor such a project if it would give the district an opportunity to promote its schools and extracurricular activities. If not,
look to local businesses that cater to teens for help. Sharing the costs between several local businesses or corporations makes
it a more practical endeavor. If none of these options proves feasible, there are some good videos available to relocating
adolescents that are not necessarily specific to your location.

These are just a few suggestions about what we, as an industry, could do to offer assistance to children relocating. Relocation is
never easy for anyone, but perhaps we can make it more enjoyable for the children.