Moving can be a traumatic experience for children, especially if they have lived in the same home since birth. However, parents can make it easier on their kids by preparing them well in advance. Below are six ways you can help make a move easier on your children.
- Tell them as soon as you decide.
They will likely need time to warm up to the idea of leaving their friends and old home behind. Also, kids are quick to figure out things, no matter how well parents try to cover their tracks. Don’t try to keep it a secret. Being upfront about the move can make the process much easier for everyone involved.
- Take them to see the new home or city.
Be upbeat and positive about the transition, and involve your kids as much as possible. Go for a visit to the new home or town you will be living in. Show them around, and telling them about the positives of the new area.
- Get them excited for a new home.
Help your children begin planning for their new bedroom. They can decide where the furniture will go, what color the walls will be, and what theme the room should have. Involving them can make them look forward to the huge change that is moving somewhere new. If possible, let them pick out something new for their room – a new lamp, rug or even a couple of posters can help get them excited.
- Try to move during a school holiday if possible.
Summer vacation is the most ideal time to move with kids, since they are between grades and don’t have to be taken out of a classroom in the middle of the school year. If the move cannot be timed with summer break, try to move during another holiday such as spring break. This gives your family time to get completely moved and things set up in the new house.
- Have a “See You Later” party for your kids’ friends.
If you aren’t moving too far away, don’t let your kids see it as a good bye, as they can still visit their friends. If you will be moving a great distance, they can still keep in touch. Be sure to exchange addresses (physical or emails) and telephone numbers so your kids are able to talk with their old friends. Technology makes it easy for everyone to stay in touch, so use it to your advantage with emailing, texting, social networking, and video chatting. When I moved during 7th grade, my mom let me invite my best friend over to spend the night. We spent the night taking down all of my posters (they were literally the wallpaper of my walls), listening to music, and getting one last time to be silly together. As simple as it sounds, it meant a lot to me!
- Get them involved with packing.
Allowing them to declutter their bedroom and pack gives kids more control over the situation. They can’t decide whether the family moves or not, but letting them have a say on which belongings go or get donated or tossed out can make them feel better about the change.
Moving with children is tough, but if you can get them involved perhaps you can lessen the emotional blow as well as the stress of packing, moving and unpacking! Good luck!
Pst! If you need some organizational help with your move, check out this Ultimate Moving Organization Kit you can get for just $9.97! It’s everything you need to help you pack, keep it all organized, and not lose your marbles!
This post contains affiliate links.