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Quiz Topic: Relocating Your Family

Dr. Joyce Brothers

Moving is a reality that almost all people -- and families -- will have to face at some point in their lives. Moves sometimes happen suddenly, and sometimes are planned far in advance; sometimes are exciting and adventurous, and sometimes sad and lonely. But one thing common to all relocations is the stress and anxiety they can induce. This quiz will help test your knowledge of how to cope with moving and relocation, especially with families.

1. Children shouldn't be told about a move until the last minute, because they can't understand the reasons behind it.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

2. It is important to recognize that change is very hard, and it can take a long time for members of the family to feel comfortable in the new location.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

3. When a family member or friend is moving, it's better to stay out of the way than to offer unwanted help.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

4. Moving during the middle of the school year -- especially for high-school-age kids -- can be very disruptive, both academically and socially, and should be avoided if possible.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

5. Feelings of anxiety and sadness about moving, whether or not they are mixed with excitement and anticipation, should be recognized and dealt with, not just pushed away during the chaos of the move.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

6. Forcing children to be involved in the preparations and decision-making surrounding the move will give them some options and make them come to terms with it, and this is good for them in the end.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

7. For older adults, moving from the home they have been living in for a number of years into a retirement or assisted-living community can cause unhealthy amounts of stress and worry.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

8. Approximately one out of every five Americans moves every year.

TRUE ( ) FALSE ( )

ANSWERS:

1. FALSE. Any child old enough to form a relationship with a home will feel a sense of loss when he or she leaves that place. It may be hard for adults to recognize the symptoms of grief in children because they are often less able to express their feelings than adults are. Children should be told as much as they can understand at their age, and be constantly surrounded with a loving and respectful environment as they deal with emotions they may not be able to identify.

2. TRUE. Researching and choosing a location -- if you're able to -- should be done together in order to make the transition as easy as possible. Even so, it usually takes around a year for everyone to adjust.

3. FALSE. Moving can be a very stressful time, and sometimes it can feel more helpful to just stay out of the way rather than mess something up. But if you truly want to help, set aside some time to help with packing, organizing, running errands or anything that might need to be done at the last minute.

4. TRUE. It can be very hard on teens if an unexpected move tears them away from their social and academic lives. In some cases, it even can be worthwhile to work out a way for your teen to stay -- with friends or family -- until the end of the school year before rejoining the family.

5. TRUE. It can be easy to allow chaos to take over and let other emotions get pushed aside when moving. But this way of coping will lead to your feeling worse about the move in the future. Make sure you take the time to internalize the change, and say your goodbyes to your old home.

6. FALSE. Children have a good instinct when it comes to how involved they want to be in the moving process. Some kids will want to have a say in choosing a house, their new room or decorations, but they certainly shouldn't be forced to make these choices if they seem uninterested. You should encourage their participation, but don't put too much pressure on them to make big decisions.

7. TRUE. While the move into a more confortable or supportive community for seniors can be a relief, the moving process is still a source of stress and anxiety. Keeping routines as normal as possible both pre- and post-relocation can help maintain a measure of stability.

8. TRUE. Whether for a job, family emergency or just for fun and adventure, millions of Americans move every year. The important thing is to remember that moves are hard, and you should make sure you know what to expect at your new home.

If you were able to answer six out of these eight questions correctly, you are in good shape for coping with your next move.

Copyright: (c) 2008 by King Features Syndicate

This news arrived on: 07/09/2008

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