Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for anyone, let alone for families with children. Children may feel anxious and uncertain about the move, leaving behind their friends and familiar surroundings. As an adult, it's important to help your children navigate this transition by providing them with support and reassurance. Here are our top three tips to make moving with children a smoother process.
1) Involve Your Children In The Moving Process
One of the best ways to help your children adjust to the idea of moving is to involve them in the process. This can include showing them pictures of your new home, taking them on a tour of the new neighbourhood, and letting them help you pack their belongings. Allowing them to be a part of the process can help them feel more in control and less anxious. Additionally, it's important to have open and honest conversations with your children about the move, answering any questions they may have and addressing any concerns.
2) Maintain Routines And Familiarity
Moving to a new home can be a big adjustment for children, but maintaining some routines and familiarity can help ease the transition. This can include keeping their usual bedtime routine, setting up their room with familiar items, and continuing with any extracurricular activities they were involved in before the move. Additionally, it's important to try to maintain relationships with their old friends and schedule regular video calls or visits if possible. This can help your children feel less isolated and maintain a sense of normalcy during this time of change.
3) Make The Move An Adventure
Moving is stressful, but it can also be an exciting adventure for children. You can help your children get excited about the move by planning fun activities and outings in the new area. This can include visiting local parks, museums, and restaurants. Additionally, you can involve your children in decorating their new room and making it feel like home. By framing the move as an adventure, you can help your children feel more positive and excited about the change.
In conclusion, moving with children can be a challenging experience, but there are steps you can take to make the process smoother. By involving your children in the process, maintaining routines and familiarity, and framing the move as an adventure, you can help your children feel more in control and less anxious about the change. It goes without saying to remember to be patient and understanding during this time of transition, and provide your children with the support and reassurance they need.
In our SOLD CLUB, we provide Kids Moving Day Kits: a moving box with colouring utensils, a book about moving and how it can be fun and new and a gift card so they can pick out something for their new room! Making the move fun and something to look forward to can help take the pressure off of you on Moving Day.