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Finding moving companies can be challenging enough, moving with a family can be even more difficult. There are a lot of changes going on for you and your family. That’s why it is critical to spend some time helping your kids cope with the changes going on around them. The advice set out in this guide will help your move go more smoothly.
When to Move School-Age Kids
When your kids are school age, you might be tempted to plan your move for the school holidays. In reality, this can actually make things harder for your kids. School is most likely the first place your kids can be assured of making friends. Thus, moving during the school holidays places your child in unfamiliar and new surroundings at a time when their chances of making friends are low.
- As school resumes, your child may feel even more left out. As the first day’s return to school is filled with the excitement and the hustle and bustle that occurs after a holiday vacation, your child may feel like a stranger.
- When you schedule your move during the school year, it allows your kids to go from one social setting to another.
- The teacher and the other kids will be more willing to show your child extra special attention when they are the only new person.
Does Age Make a Difference?
- Generally speaking, the younger the child, the better they will cope with moving to a new home.
- Very young children and infants may be confused. It is a good idea to explain to them what’s happening and make it like an adventure.
- The biggest worry that school-age children endure is making new friends and fitting in easily at their new school.
- Because teenagers’ friends provide them with a sense of identity, it is more difficult for teens to feel comfortable with the idea of moving to a new home.
Before the Move
- As you start making plans for your move, remember to focus on what your kids can look forward to.
- After all, if you see your move as an exciting adventure, your kids will also be very enthusiastic.
- Right from the start, you might want to take them with you on house-hunting adventures. In cases where it might not be practical to have them tag along, don’t forget to bring back pictures of hot prospects you’re considering.
- After you’ve found the new home, be sure to take pictures of local places of interest.
Communication is the Key
- Don’t forget to keep the channels of communication open. Before and during your move, encourage your kids to tell you about their uncertainties.
- Most likely, you’re probably feeling a little nervous about moving, too (no matter how promising your new situation is likely to be).
- After your move, spend time together with your family. Listen to each other’s stories so that you can be sure how everyone is coping with the change.
Getting the Kids Involved
It’s only natural that your kids will want to be involved with what’s going on. Some examples of ways to get your kids involved are:
- Ask them to help plan for and organize your garage sale. They could make colourful posters to stick up around the neighbourhood.
- Allowing them to choose a small number of toys or other items to keep with them on moving day.
- Empowering them by letting them pack and label a few of their own boxes
- Make sure they have a particular job to take care of on moving day. This will help them feel as if they’re making a valuable contribution.
- Allowing them to decide how their new rooms should be decorated and arranged.
What About Childcare?
- Undoubtedly you will be offered a lot of conflicting advice whether you should keep your kids with you on moving day or arrange childcare.
- Keep in mind that you are the best judge of what’s suitable for your kids.
Saying Goodbye
- Your children must have enough time to say goodbye to the family members and friends they’re leaving behind.
- You should encourage them to exchange contact information. Fortunately, for most of us today, our friends are only a few keystrokes away via e-mail.
Settling In
Understand that it is like there may be a grieving period for children…it may last a few weeks, perhaps even a few months. Here are a few easy things you can do to make moving easier for your kids.
- Investigate and explore your new neighbourhood together. Look for new and exciting things.
- Go to your new child’s school with them beforehand…walk around the new school together to help them find their bearings.
- Accompany your kids on their route to school until they are comfortable travelling by themselves.
- Seek out after-school activities where your children can make new friends with similar interests.
- Don’t forget to encourage them to keep in touch with old friends.
Keeping an Eye Out for Early Warning Signs
- A significant change is always tricky for a child. Even the most well-adjusted child can have difficulty coping with moving.
- Be watchful. It’s essential to pick up on early warning signs that your child may need extra help adjusting.
Here are some things to watch out for
- Withdrawn behaviour
- Loss of appetite
- Problems sleeping, or regular nightmares
- Outbursts of anger or tears
- Reluctance to stray far from the house or family
- Difficulty making new friends
Additional Hints for Moving Kids
- Children’s books help kids come to terms with and understand an upcoming move and cope with some of the feelings they may be experiencing.
- If you’ve got young children, it’s vital to remove dangerous situations and child-proof your home.
- The sooner you teach your kids your new address and phone number, the better.
