Moving often uproots children from friends, school, sports teams, extracurricular activities, family, and more. Being taken away from what they see as their world can be extremely difficult to explain, and children often blame the parent who is the reason for the move. Many families do move, however, and it can be done without completely traumatizing your stepchild or making her hate you forever. Be sure to consult an attorney to find out if there are impediments to moving.

If your stepchild lives with you and your partner, moving may affect her more than it would if she simply visited from time to time. Either way, your stepchild will need to adjust to a new situation. One of the best ways to avoid any surprises is to keep the lines of communication open with your stepchild and the other biological parent. You may wish to take your stepchild with you when you look for houses to get her opinion. If she loves the local swimming club, perhaps finding a home near the swimming club will help her feel included in the decision. Coming up with a list of activities or places that might interest your stepchild may help her feel excited about the move.

If you are definitely moving, give your stepchild time to say goodbye to your current home. Even if you are moving from an apartment on one side of town to a house on the other side, it is nice to say goodbye to your old home. It is funny how attached people become to their homes. If your stepchild is having a hard time saying goodbye to your current home, find something she can take with her to your new home. Maybe the doorknob from her room can be removed and placed in the door in your new home? This way she can physically keep a piece of the old home, and may feel comforted. Just be sure to replace the doorknob for the incoming homeowners!