• Talk to your children about the move, including why you’re relocating and where you’ll be going.
• Inform hired professional movers about the presence of children for extra care during the transition.
• Involve children in packing, cleaning, and house-hunting to give them a sense of ownership.
• Maintain kids’ routines for consistency, and utilize resources to help them adjust to the new home.
Moving to a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in a family’s life. However, relocating can also be quite stressful for parents with young children. Children, naturally, have a strong attachment and sense of security to their current environment, and the thought of leaving their familiar surroundings and friends, and moving to a new place, can cause anxiety, fear, and confusion. As parents, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for your little ones is essential.
Here are some tips and tricks to help make a family home move less stressful for your children.
1. Talk to your Children
Communication with your children is crucial as you prepare to move to a new home. Explain to your children why you are moving, where you will be going, and answer any questions they may have. Encourage your children to share their thoughts and feelings regarding the move. This conversation should be a two-way street, so allow them to also express their feelings and any worries.
Acknowledge their emotions and assure them that it is normal to feel apprehensive. Communicating with your children openly creates a sense of security and reassurance, making the transition easier. Try to make them feel included in the process, such as giving them a say in their room design or allowing them to pick out new furniture for their bedroom.
2. Inform Your Movers
If you are hiring professional moving services to help with your move, ensure they know that children are involved in the process. Professional movers should be prepared to handle extra care and caution when moving fragile items and assisting with transporting your children’s belongings. They should also be ready to help with any other special requests your children may have.
3. Involve your Children in the Move
Involve your children in the moving process to give them a sense of ownership. Assign them simple, age-appropriate tasks such as packing their toys, cleaning their room, or labeling boxes. By engaging them in this way, they feel like they’re part of the process, and this can reduce anxiety and fear. This is also a chance to teach them organizational skills and empower their sense of responsibility.
Also, take your children with you when you go to view potential new homes. Give them a tour and encourage them to ask questions. This involvement in the house-hunting process can help reassure them and create a sense of excitement and anticipation. You can even make it fun by creating a “like-o-meter” where they can rate each house you visit.
4. Maintain Your Routine
Consistency and structure are essential for children, especially during a change such as moving to a new home. Try to keep their routine as consistent as possible throughout the move. Here are some tips:
a. Stick to their usual bedtime, eating habits, and other daily routines.
Sticking to the same routine as much as possible will help to ensure a smooth transition. Many children take comfort in the sense of familiarity, so keeping as much of their daily schedule the same can provide them with reassurance and stability during this big life change.
b. Limit the amount of time spent away from the old home and in transition.
If possible, try to minimize the time spent away from the old home and in transition. Too much uncertainty can cause stress, so try to keep your children’s lives as normal as possible for the transition.
c. Utilize different resources to help them adjust to their new home.
It is important that your children feel comfortable and safe in their new home. Utilize different resources to help them adjust, such as enrolling them in local activities or connecting them with other like-minded families in the area.
d. Spend quality time with your family.
Take the opportunity to spend quality time with your family as you make this move together. Have a movie night in the old home, explore the new town together, or take a special trip to celebrate the big move.
Moving with children can be a daunting experience, but it does not have to be stressful. Following these tips and tricks can make the process less overwhelming and more enjoyable for your family. Remember to be patient, talk to your children regularly and openly, and involve them as much as possible. Most of all, stay positive and enjoy the journey!
