Making New Housing Arrangements

Acknowledge your children’s feelings and do not take it personally or scold them for being unhappy.

If possible, assure your children that even though living arrangements have changed, their relationship with both parents remain the same. If this is not possible, assure your children of your own love and support for them.

Be clear and consistent with your children about access arrangements or visitation arrangements with the other parent. Allow your children to bring along their favourite toy or item to the other parent’s home, so that your children can feel secure.

Explain the reasons for the living arrangements to your children and let them know whether it is temporary or long term.

If possible, show your children the new home before moving in. Introduce your children to the nearby playground or amenities that your children can look forward to enjoying. If your children are older, you may wish to sound them out on concerns they may have about moving to the new home. Address these concerns where possible to smoothen the transition.

Make sure your children have familiar belongings and their favourite items in the new home. This will provide your children with a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Give your children time to adjust. Adjusting to the new family structure and moving are two major life events and it can be extremely stressful for your children. Check in regularly with them on how they are feeling. To find out more information on how divorce can impact your children, click here.