Moving is tough for anyone, but children often have an incredibly hard time with it.
While there are many contributing factors on a case-by-case basis, there is no doubt that moving can be a stressful experience for your children. The thought of uprooting and starting somewhere unfamiliar can be scary and overwhelming, especially for kids who have already settled into a routine.
At any rate, moving is something that needs to happen sometimes, whether or not everyone is prepared for it. Luckily, as a parent, there are things you can do to help ease the transition when you’re moving with kids.
Keep reading to learn our top strategies for moving to a new place with your children.
1. Help Your Child Say Goodbye Before Moving
When you’re moving to a new place, you’re inevitably leaving something behind. For your child, it’s friends, school, and everything he knows in your hometown.
Younger children handle this well, but your older children will likely have a harder time. One study found that adolescent children between the ages of 12-14 had the most difficulty adjusting, but any child with an established social life will have some struggles.
The best thing to do is to allow your children time to grieve these losses. Help them visit their friends and say their goodbyes. If they have favorite places to go, be sure to revisit these before the big move.
2. Keep in Touch With Friends
One of the primary fears about moving is losing current friends. Help your kids stay in touch with friends when you settle into your new house.
Have your kids’ exchange photos with their friends before you leave. Then place the pictures around their new room as a comforting reminder of their friends.
Fortunately, it’s easy to keep in touch with those far away through social media apps and other electronic communication. Have your child share pictures and videos of their new home. Encourage them to share stories about their new home and experiences.
If possible, take your child with you as you look for a new home. Value their opinion as one of the decision-makers when you’re moving to a new place.
3. Offer Your Child Some Control Whenever Possible
If possible, take your child with you as you look for a new home. Value their opinion as one of the decision-makers when you’re moving to a new place.
It’s also helpful to let your child choose their room, what color to paint it, and what new furniture goes into it. If possible, try to set up your kids’ rooms first so that they have a familiar haven as you unpack the rest of the house.
4. Plan Exploration and Fun Activities for Your Arrival
Moving to a new place should be a positive experience. Plan some activities for when you arrive, such as visiting a park or finding a good spot for pizza.
Once the moving chaos has settled a little, take your children around town and help them explore. Find their new school and help them locate where everything is. This will help make the area more familiar and less scary for them.
Preparing for Your Big Move
It’s always a challenge to say goodbye. Moving to a new place is stressful for your children, and understandably so. As a parent, you can help them cope by being present, allowing them to have control, and putting a positive spin on your new location. With these things in mind, you and your children will be ready to enjoy your new home.
Contact us now for a free quote to get your move booked today.
