Preparing your children for a move

Posted on 08/12/2023

Moving can be an exciting yet stressful time, especially for children. For many families, a move is essential for personal or professional reasons, so it's important to understand the best ways to prepare your kids for a new place.

Explaining the Move

The first step in preparing your children for a move is letting them know about it. Depending on their age, this might involve an open conversation or you could present them with a simple explanation about why the family is relocating. Try to break the news at least two months prior to the move so they have some time to accept and come to terms with the idea. Be sure to focus on the positives of your new location and allow plenty of time for questions from your children.

Packing with Kids

Kids need to understand what it means to pack up their items and also potentially leave behind some things they may no longer need. This is their chance to really make a smooth transition and begin creating their own identity in their new house or apartment. Encourage them to sort through each item and decide which ones should stay and which can go, either donating or throwing away items they don't plan on taking.

Tackling Stressful Emotions

It's important that you recognize any potential anxieties your child could be feeling about the move. Keep in mind that stress levels can vary depending on age, so younger children typically feel more apprehensive or scared than adults do because the idea of something new can seem overwhelming. Respect their feelings throughout this process and plan activities that will help reduce any pent up frustrations, like arts & crafts projects or visiting nearby parks prior to moving day.

Making New Friends

Moving can mean making friends all over again, which isn't always easy for kids who are tend to shy away from social settings. To make this easier for them, take some time out of your schedule and actively look for potential friends in your new area that share similar interests as your child does. You could also enroll them in sports teams or clubs around town where they can meet likeminded individuals. Additionally, sites such as MeetUp are great resources when you're looking to expand existing relationships you already have as well as create new ones with locals who live in your area.

Staying Connected

Another worry that often arises during a relocation is leaving behind close family members and friends. In order to keep everyone connected during this transitional period, there are several methods available today such as Skype calls, emails, videos, Google Hangouts, texting services, etc. This way, if your child misses anyone back home, they can easily keep up with those conversations regardless of physical distance! An added bonus from extended technology-based conversations- if there's ever a special occasion like birthdays or holidays, online connections tend to make it much easier for gathering long distance relatives together without having them travel elsewhere in person.

Keeping Routines Intact

Moving away involves various changes including adjusting to a brand new environment. During this phase children often feel powerless and wound up due schedules being disrupted or changed all of sudden - which is why it is important that parents maintain normalcy when possible by preserving regular routines while transitioning into a new house . Routines are one of the most easiest yet effective coping strategies because they provide children (and adults) with consistency during times of uncertainty; having the same eating times/bedtimes helps set off days starting out right ! Plus, doing something familiar helps put minds at ease - especially when trying out something unfamiliar!

Before You Go

Before you get ready for moving day itself, you may want to schedule a farewell dinner/gathering with family/friends/neighbors you've grown close to and say goodbye in person. Even though it might initially sound daunting, ultimately it allows everyone involved some closure before going their separate ways - making upcoming transitions less painful. Another option would be handing out cards or small gifts as tokens of appreciation; this gesture will show those people how much they meant during those last few months in one place before heading elsewhere!

Moving Day Tips

When moving day finally arrives, try incorporating fun activities into the entire process--especially if your kids are old enough. For example, trivia games, music playlists, coloring pages (providing crayons & markers) etcetera - all help distract from any uncertainties related shifting boxes around by having them contribute towards packing efforts & keeping moods lighthearted too! Moreover, packing meals beforehand takes off one extra layer of stress (choosing efficient lunchboxes makes even snacks faster) and if possible plan for overnight trips somewhere near destination since breaks are always greatly appreciated too!

Celebrate Your Arrival

Finally, once all items have been successfully moved over celebrate your arrival together! Think about setting up designated "unpacking" sessions followed by planning outings afterwards; ice cream parlors / parks / museums etcetera - any type of outing (that matches budget restrictions ) would be welcomed with open arms! It 'll be even better if these activities spark conversations amongst family members plus stimulate learning experiences too! Demonstrate confidence amidst this situation by remaining hopeful while addressing any doubts realistically - preparing children before hand will make settling into unknown societies less intimidating altogether!