(HealthDay News) — Job loss, promotion, a transfer and other life changes can force families to move. For children, a move can be stressful and accentuate negative aspects of their personalities, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

To help a child adjust to a move, the academy encourages parents to:

  • Emphasize the positive aspects of what awaits at the new location.
  • Let your child express his or her feelings and acknowledge sadness.
  • Take your child to the community where you will be moving.
  • Give the child the chance to participate in decisions, such as the new room color.
  • Become involved in the new community yourself.
  • Maintain contact with the old community.
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