Helping Children Deal With Someone Special Moving Away

We are extremely lucky as a family. Our extended family all live close by and so are very hands on in helping to raise our boys. I honestly don’t know how I would cope without them. In times of severe sleep deprivation, they were humongous support. They also fill the gaps of interest for the boys. Thank goodness for my brother taking Rory to see the Lego Movie and spending hours putting together Hogwarts made from Lego so I didn’t have to, for example.

Our little team has recently lost a member. My brother got a new job and moved three hours away. The boys have been very used to him living ten minutes away and seeing him regularly – most weekends and often during the week too. He has been Mummy’s babysitting saviour to allow Mummy to attend committee and PTA meetings. Now he will no longer be around to build Lego kits, babysit and generally being a Funcle! (Fun Uncle)

Rory particularly has been hit hard by his Uncle moving away. I reached out on Instagram for advice to help children with separation and Instamums did not disappoint.

Should your child be dealing with a friend or family member moving away, here are a few tips to help.

Make The Most of Technology

Thank goodness we live in a time of technology and we have apps such as Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp which make keeping in touch so easy.

Keep A Diary

Keep a record of the things your child has been getting up to, or better still get them to do so, which they can share next time they see each other. This doesn’t have to be written. It could also feature drawings and photos.

Write Letters & Postcards

Because we are surrounded by technology, traditional letter writing isn’t something we do so much anymore. This makes receiving a letter even more special making it a great way to keep in touch with someone who has moved away!

Countdown To The Next Meet Up

Lauren suggested organising meet ups in advance to you can countdown to visits giving your child something to look forward to.

Family Pegs

Life.In.Fife suggesting having a little peg person who resembles the person who has moved away. This means that the person can still join them on all their adventures. She recommended Rock.Paper.Pegs

Special Cuddly Toy

Have a special cuddly that your child associates with the person who moved away so they can give it a hug when they miss them.

If you have any good strategies to help a child deal with someone special moving away, I’d love to hear them in the comments.