Son’s best friend is moving

[EmmaLM]

My son’s best friend is moving away in a couple of weeks. My son (8) is going to be devastated. Does anyone have any tips as to how I can help him?

This happened to me when I was a couple of years older than your DS. I do remember feeling very sad about it. Can you encourage other friendships, eg inviting some of his other friends over to play? After school activities can be good for broadening his friendships to outside school.

Also, don't worry too much if his friend is never quite 'replaced'. I have three DC and IME some children have a 'best friend' and others don't, and play with a group of kids. Either way is fine.

He’ll make new friends. I’m not sure you need to make it bigger than it is by rushing to reassure and ‘mend’ the situation. He’ll be sad for a few days but that’s a good thing. It means he’d invested in the relationship and cares about others.

Invite others for supper. Send postcards (FaceTime might be too much too soon and distract him from moving on). Many, many children move and settle just fine without much parental involvement.

Thanks. He’s got some other friends so, yes, I’ll try and invite them round. I feel desperately sorry for the child that’s moving away. He’s so happy where he is - and his parents haven’t even told him he’s moving yet! They’re moving over half term!