Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, moving with kids can be stressful on both you and them! Luckily, the move doesn’t have to be painful for anyone!
Check out our tips for moving with kids, and make your relocation a breeze!
Tips For Moving With Kids!
Nobody likes saying goodbye. Not to their friends and not to the house they know and love. Moving can be especially hard for children who may not fully comprehend the reasons why you are moving or the reasons why the move will actually be better for them in the long run. The most important part of the process is to be as upfront and honest as possible with them about what they can expect when moving and how it will impact their lives as a whole. If they ask questions, be sure to speak calmly and confidently in a very positive tone and don’t be too harsh or overly critical with them about things.
Tip #1: Talk To Them
As soon as the move is a definite go, share the news with your kids. Make them feel a part of everything, and openly discuss the new and exciting changes about to happen. Include them in the conversation and ask their opinions about what’s going on to see what their perspectives are, and then try to understand them and provide positive reinforcement.
Reassure your children that all of their possessions, books, toys etc., will all be coming with them and share all of the wonderful and exciting benefits of the move. You can even allow them to pack their bags and boxes themselves so they can physically see their belongings in the crates before the movers come to pick them up and transport them across town.
Tip #2: Get to Know Your New House
If the house is nearby, get your kids excited by going to see it. Let them see their rooms and have them plan out how they want to decorate.
If you’re moving further away, show them lots of pictures and use google to learn all about the area.
You could even draw out the room, and let them decide how they want their furniture arranged.
Tip #3: Let Them Help With Packing
Make sure younger kids know that their stuff is being packed up and moved and not being thrown away. Older kids might understand the process, but it may be more difficult for little ones to grasp.
Let them help pack up their toys and then have them decorate their boxes so they will be easily recognizable after the move. As much as possible, try to get their items and room set up first, even if it means ordering pizza and keeping your kitchen in boxes for a couple days.
Having that sense of familiarity will help keep their anxiety down.
Tip #4: Get to Know The Neighbors and the New Area
As soon as possible, become a part of your new community. Introduce yourself to the neighbors. Invite people on your street over for a house warming party.
Participate in local activities that will allow both you and your kids to make new friends. If your child is on the shy side, talk to them about making new friends and help them think of ways to break the ice with the kids at their new school.
Tip #5: Keep Your Routines
Do you always get ice cream on Saturday afternoons? Or maybe you spend Sunday mornings at the park? Whatever routines you can keep, you should do so.
Try to remain consistent with meal times and bedtimes. Keeping kids in their routine will help keep them calm and will help you feel a sense of order.
Always remember, while moving might be hard on you, it might be even harder on your kids. As much as possible, stay positive with them and make the whole process a grand adventure. Make the process fun and memorable and as stress-free for them as possible. (It will help you feel more relaxed too!)
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