Moving to St. Louis with Children

I just read this great article in Parents Magazine: Smooth Move: Make Moving Easier on You and Your Kids.

Here is the gist:

• Get Them Ready: Don't just tell them what will be different. Tell them what will be the same. All the things in their room and the family pets get to move too!
• Allow Their Angst: Most experts estimate that it takes 6 months to acclimate. Try skype-ing with old care-givers, friends and family members to help ease those tears and tantrums
• Walk the Walk: Stay positive and model how to manage your emotions constructively. Don't bad the mouth the new town. Try to highlight wonderful things about the new place.
• Give Them Gumption: Kids have generally have zero input into the move. If you are being re-located they have no control in that. Find decision opportunities to seek out their opinions and allow them some input in the process
• Get to Know Neighbors: Sign up for a lot of activities. Let the kids try many different things in an effort to find something that really clicks
• Soup Up Their Social Skills: Practice a conversation opener at home. Let them in on what's popular in the area so they can quickly find some common ground.

Things About St. Louis to Help Excite the Kiddos:

50 Things To Do With Kids in St. Louis: written by a native St. Louis "I'm happy to say that my interest in St. Louis was recharged about five years ago after we welcomed our daughter Meredith into the family."

Forest Park for Kids: So much to do for free!

A Great Resource for Mom:

MOMS: (MOMS Offering Moms Support®) is a support group designed primarily for at-home mothers, but the chapter is open to everyone. They are a non profit, non denominational support organization.