I’m a Financial Expert: How To Talk to Your Kids When You Need To Move for a New Job

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The post-COVID economy has been changing rapidly, resulting in significant movement on the U.S. job scene. With return-to-office mandates, layoffs, and changes in family situations, the relocation conversation could happen more often than anticipated. If you need to chat with your kiddos about moving for a new job, these tips could help.

1. Prepare for the Conversation

This may include setting up a comfortable time and place to broach the topic as a family. Pairing the conversation with a fun outing or family movie night at home could help create good memories related to a pretty serious discussion. Be prepared for the talk to go longer than anticipated in case your child or children become emotional or have many questions.

2. Discuss the Reasoning Behind the Move

Explain to your child(ren) what’s going on. Depending on their age or the sensitivity of the situation, give just enough detail to help them understand the situation. Avoid information that can be scary or wording that can evoke images of a hopeless situation.

3. Accentuate the Positive

Spend as much time as possible painting a better picture of the future. Children have vivid imaginations, which can come in handy when asking them to envision a better future for the family.

Markia Brown, aka the Money Plug, is a certified Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) and influencer who’s counseled many clients through job relocation. She’s also helped her own family move from the East Coast to the Los Angeles area for a better job opportunity. She encourages parents to recognize their children’s emotions amid a drastic change and says, “It’s all about positioning.” She adds, “Help your children envision the new opportunity as a fun exploration that can also expand the family’s financial stability, leading to even more positives for the children individually and as a family unit.”

4. Addressing Emotional and Practical Concerns

Be sure to acknowledge your child’s emotions in the moment. Listen, empathize, and affirm the feelings that might feel overwhelming for your kid. Allow them to process feelings of grief, sadness, loss, confusion and fear. Addressing the concerns provoking these emotions can be a great comfort in an uncertain time.

5. Discuss the Financial Benefits of the Move

Bring up all of the goals that financial stability can help your family reach, such as:

• More family travel, outings, and activities
• Better education, extra-curricular, and higher-education prospects
• A family pet
• Trips back “home” to see former friends and family
• Give more to causes the family cares about

These are some general examples, so be sure to curate a motivating list of benefits that aligns with your family values.

6. Involve your Child(ren) in the Process as Much as Possible

Keep the conversation going by involving your kids in the process. For instance, you might include them in some decision-making (where appropriate) and incorporate their feedback when possible. Also, consider exploring the new area together and planning and packing as a family.

7. Post-Move Tip: Maintain Routines and Traditions

Try to maintain familiar routines around meals, bedtime, and weekend activities as much as possible. Keep family traditions intact, whether it’s a Sunday movie night, a weekly game of catch, or other holiday customs. This continuity provides a comforting assurance that family rhythms remain unchanged despite new surroundings.

Summing it All Up

Moving due to job changes is a significant life event that impacts the entire family. Markia Brown notes, “Moving your entire family can be stressful, but if handled properly, it can be a great lesson in resilience and teamwork for everyone involved.” The journey may be challenging, but with the right communication approach and strategies, your family can survive the move and thrive in your new environment!

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