8 Tips To Make Moving Easier On The Kids
Moving is never an easy or stress-free process
, but it can become even more challenging when children are involved. It's rare that a young child will be able to process the reason for the move well or that he or she will be eager to leave the home, school, friends and neighbors he or she come to know and love.Whether you're relocating for work or family, and whether you're relocating to a new construction home or an established, older neighborhood, there are several things you can do to make a move easier for your children.
1. Don't rush the process.
Take a few days to pack the trucks and spread out the move. Exhausted children are not happy children, and a full day of packing a house and relocating will be tiring for young and old alike.
2. Have some babysitters on board.
There may be errands, tasks and moving requirements that simply aren't kid friendly. Having prearranged family, friends and neighbors who are willing to take care of your kids if the need arises will make the relocation and moving process smoother.
3. Delegate.
Children want to be involved--they want to feel helpful and not in the way. Make lists and divide up tasks, assigning specific, kid-doable projects to the younger members of your family. Try to find a few "chores" that are enjoyable, such as decorating the moving boxes.
4. Find a way to celebrate the past and the future.
Kids and adults both make connections with the places they live, but it may be more difficult--emotionally--for a child to make the break. Find a way to celebrate your former home and build excitement for your new one. Throw a goodbye party; spend time doing something nice for neighbors; let your kids "camp out" in the house once some of the bigger items have been moved.
And don't wait to build connections with neighbors, schools and parents with similarly aged kids in your new town. Having friendly faces and people who already know your name when you arrive in a new place will be a great comfort to your children.
5. Make one box with moving essentials for each kid.
When a child's entire room and life are packed into boxes, it can be nerve-wracking when he or she can't find that special stuffed animal or favorite coloring book. Make a "Move Box" that has essentials, from favorite snacks and music to toys and things to do that will make a long ride more enjoyable.
6. Really encourage your kid to make his or her new room special.
Let them pick out paint colors at the store or invest in a new and wanted piece of furniture. If your space is flexible enough, you can even allow children to claim whichever room they want as their bedroom.
7. Keep lines of communication open.
Tell your kids about the move sooner rather than later so you can best set their expectations. When they have questions--and copious questions should be prepared for--answer them openly and honestly without frustration. When you learn something--from which movers you'll be using to which schools your kids will attend--share this information in a way that helps them get excited about the change.
8. Plan a reward celebration in your new home.
Either in your home--like a housewarming or neighbor welcoming party--or in your new community at a special event, plan something to reward yourself for the move. It will give your kids something to look forward to after the tedious planning, packing, driving and unpacking, plus it's a great way to get to know the people you will be calling neighbors.
Moving can be a frustrating event, but having unhappy, unprepared or unhelpful children will only make it more difficult, for the parents and the children themselves. So be sure you're proactive about putting processes into place that will ease the burden of moving on your kids. A few extra steps will help them feel more appreciated, understood and helpful, thus making the relocation process much smoother.
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