MOVING RANGEERS
This coloring/activity book was developed to help your family during the stress of moving.
It is divided into three sections:
Information for
parents
Activities for the family
1.
Resources for a positive experience
2.
3.
Hi, We are the Readee Family!
Hi, I’m Robin! Hi, I’m Sgt. Readee!
Hi, I’m Rachael!
Hi, I’m Roberto!
Woof, (I’m Scout!)
Meow, (I’m Kitty!)
Sgt. Readee tells his family they soon will be moving to a new town.
He wants us all to be “Moving Rangers.”
This means the whole family will help with the move.
Parents discuss openly your children’s concerns. Don’t be afraid to share your own concerns. Here are some examples.
List the “happy” things about moving: 1. A new neighborhood 2. A new school
Happy Things
List the “sad” things about moving: 1. Leaving my school and friends 2. Leave an area you are familiar with
Sad Things
List postive solutions to the negative side of moving: 1. Meet new people 2. Explore a new town
Positive Solutions
1. Dancing
4. Arts and Crafts
7. Picnic
2. Reading
5. Hop Scotch
8. Shopping
3. Gardening
6. Baseball
9. Camping
The Readee family does lots of things together.
Directions: Circle all the things you do with your family.
Family Activities
Supporting the Army
1. Combat
4. Computer Technician
7. Doctor
2. Military Policing
5. Military Instructor
8. Gate Guard
3. Firefighter
6. Aviation
9. Construction
The Readee family’s Mom and Dad work for the Army.
Directions: Circle the job your Daddy or Mommy does for the Army.
Directions: Draw a line to match the ranks.
General
Lieutenant General
Major General
Brigadier General
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Captain
First Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Chief Warrant Officer 5
Warrant Officer 1
Chief Warrant Officer 2
Chief Warrant Officer 3
Chief Warrant Officer 4
Officer Ranks
Gold
Gold
Command Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
1st Sergeant
Master Sergeant
Sergeant 1st Class
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal
Private First Class
Private
Specialist
Directions: Draw a line to match the ranks.
Enlisted Ranks
“The Wish List”
After talking to your children, finish with completing this positive activity.
Our wish list for our new house: 1. My very own bedroom 2. Fenced backyard
Remember parents, this is a wish list, so tell the child anything is possible. This leaves the children with great anticipation for their new home.
“How Can I make Moving Easier?”Instead of tackling everything at once and feeling totally overwhelmed, set small goals and rewards for each task. Celebrating the successes re-energizes everyone and ensures that packing and unpacking does not take over your lives. Making a plan and creating a checklist for everyone makes the children feel they are part of the process.
As a family, make a list of responsibilities for each member of the family. This gives your children a sense of ownership.
Parent
Children
Visit the Housing Services Office prior to leaving for information on new location.
“My E-Mail List”The toughest part of a move is leaving people you love and your friends. Say your goodbyes. Don’t avoid discussing the move with your children and your friends. Sharing the excitement and reservations will make the change easier for all. Encourage your children to create a contact list which allows them to maintain an emotional bond with their friends.
Name E-mail Address Phone Number
“My Thoughts”Why is moving to a new place fraught with emotion?
There is a fear of the unknown and some doubts as to whether it was the right choice. There is a sense of closure. Every move brings completion to a chapter in your life as well as your child’s. This activity will give each of you time to reflect on the experiences you’ve had and the people you’ve met. It will also help you feel the excitement in trying new things, meeting new people and having new opportunities.
As a parent you set the tone, treat it as if life has given you a blank slate to start fresh.
ENJOY THE POSSIBILITIES!
Ask your children to write down their thoughts on their moving adventure.
A Guide to Stress Free Moving with Children
by Ms. Sandra Whited, MA. ED. Psy.
Moving is usually an adult thing and many people fail to consider the fact that it can have a profound effect on children’s emotions, until it’s too late. When you are moving with children you have to be careful. For children, particularly adolescents, it can be a life altering experience. However, not all children are equally affected by the move. The extent depends on the age and personality of the child. In some cases children may take months to adjust to the changes and this can be quite distressing for the parents. Therefore, it is important to keep children in mind during all stages of the moving process.
The first step in moving with children is to let the m know that you are planning to move. They need to understand why the move is necessary. The positive approach should be stressed, i.e. better home, school, neighborhood. Any anxieties expressed by a child should be addressed with empathy. It is natural for them to feel insecure and apprehensive. Moving usually involves a lot of physical activity like, dusting, sorting and packing and there can be a lot of confusion and disorder. All this can drain the adults both physically and emotionally and tempers are likely to run high. It is necessary for adults to keep their cool when children are around so that it does not add to their woes.
One of the best ways to ease the stress is to involve children in the moving process from the beginning. Depending on their age they can be given small tasks so it becomes exciting and adventurous for them. If it is possible take them on a visit to the new home, school, etc. so that everything does not seem strange. Try to stick to as many of the daily routines as possible both during and after moving and make adjustments gradually. Younger children should be allowed to pack their favorite stuffed animals and toys themselves so that any apprehensions regarding these can be allayed. Older children value their personal relationships very much and the thought of losing close
friends can cause a lot of grief. Parents can contribute by helping them to make new friends and develop new relationships. Get them involved in school and community activities, neighborhood clubs and camps. The very fact you empathize with them is going to help reduce a lot of the stress involved in the move. Settling in takes time, so let your family’s new life evolve on it’s own. Little by little, all will fall into place, so be patient.
Moving involves a lot of sudden changes before, during and after the move. Moving not only changes the home but also the child’s school, friends, routines, personal relationships, habits and favorite places. All these changes can overwhelm an unprepared child and cause emotional and behavioral problems that may become hard to handle. This is because the numerous changes can overstretch a child’s coping abilities. Even though it is difficult to make the moving process completely stress free for children the stress levels can be eased to a great extent by thoughtful planning and execution.
A study on military moves, conducted by the RAND Corporation and commissioned by the National Military Family Association (NMFA), from the summer of 2008 through the summer 2009 reported the following results:
1. Older children had more difficulty with school and more problem behaviors such as fighting. 2. Younger children reported more symptoms of anxiety. 3. Girls had fewer problems in school and with friends but reported more anxiety than boys.
Being aware of these signs is the first step in helping your child adjust to the move. The second step is finding resources for their needs.
Listed below are a number of organizations which can provided your family with the support you need.
Military Child Education Coalition – www.militarychild.orgNMFA – www.militaryfamily.orgOperation Military Kids – www.operationmilitarykids.orgOur Military Kids – www.ourmilitarykids.orgTalk, Listen, Connect – www.sesameworkshop.org
About the AuthorMs. Sandra Whited is a Behavior Specialist with a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. She has worked with children in the educational field for the past twenty-eight years.
While teaching at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Ms. Whited spearheaded the Kindergarten Readiness Project (over 3,000 children evaluated) in conjunction with the City of San Antonio as the Research Coordinator. The focus of this study was to assess and identify those children who needed additional support prior to entering kindergarten.
Ms. Whited is certified by the Texas State Board of Education in special education, autism and those children who are identified as seriously emotional disturbed.
Ms. Whited has written numerous articles for PCI, an educational materials company. As a Professional Master Trainer for the Texas Early Childcare and Development System, Ms. Whited presents at educational conferences throughout Texas.
Contact:
AHRN http://www.facebook.com/pages/AHRN/267650896449?ref=search http://www.ahrn.com/
Army Housing http://www.facebook.com/pages/Army-Housing/185387503039 http://www/myarmyonesource.com/SoldiersandFamilyHousing/default.aspx http://www.acsim.army.mil/installationservices/housing.htm
Army One Source http://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx
Brought to you by: The Army Family Covenant
The Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, Army Housing Division 600 Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20310-0600
Made from recycled materials