Moving at any distance is stressful for anyone, but if you are moving with kids, that stress is amplified. Luckily, there are many ways to make the move less stressful with kids.
This post will give tips on how to make moving with kids less stressful.
Tips For Moving With Kids!
Nobody likes moving. Any person who moves must say goodbye to their friends and to the house they know and love. Imagine how children must feel, moving is more difficult for children who may not fully comprehend the reasons they are moving or the reasons why the move will actually be better for them in the long run. After all, they will be leaving friends and a house they know and love.
Tip #1: Talk To Them
As soon as you know you are moving, share the news with your kids. Make them feel like part of the move, and openly discuss the new and exciting changes about to happen.
Reassure your children that all of their possessions, books, toys, etc., will all be coming with them. Make your children understand the wonderful and exciting benefits of the move.
Tip #2: Get to Know Your New House
If the house is nearby, you should show the new house to your kids. Let them check their future rooms and even let their imaginations run wild. Let them decide where they will put their things and how they will decorate it. Even support their imaginations (within reason).
If you’re moving further away, showing them the house in person may not be a viable option, especially depending on the time. Instead, you should show them the pictures and use google to learn all about the area.
You could even let them decide how they want their furniture arranged without actually seeing the house. You can draw out the room and decide how to arrange the room.
Tip #3: Let Them Help With Packing
Older children may grasp the concept of moving and know that they are packing away their possessions. Younger children may not get the concept. Packing away their possessions may make the younger children feel emotionally isolated from their possessions which brings them comfort.
Let them help pack up their toys and then have them label and maybe even decorate their boxes so they will be easily recognizable after the move. As much as possible, try to get their items and room set up first. As a default, make sure to unpack the things for their room before anything else. This includes the kitchen. Order pizza the first day (or more) so unpacking the kid’s rooms remains a priority.
Having that sense of familiarity will help keep their anxiety down.
Tip #4: Get to Know The Neighbors and the New Area
Try to become a part of your new community. Make sure to introduce yourself to the neighbors. Even invite people on your street over for a house warming party.
Make sure you are involved in your community. Participate in local activities that will allow both you and your kids to make new friends. If your child is on the shy side this will be especially difficult. Talk to them about making new friends and help them think of ways to break the ice with the kids at their new school. Of course, this is easier said than done, but no one knows your kid(s) better than you. You will find the best way to help your kids when you are moving.
Tip #5: Keep Your Routines
Think of what you do with your kids at your old home. After the move, it is best to help maintain that familiarity. Do you always get ice cream on Saturday afternoons? Take them for ice cream at a new local place. Or maybe you spend Sunday mornings at the park? Take them to the new park. Whatever routines you can keep, you should do so.
At-home routine is crucial for a child’s physical and mental needs as well. Try to be consistent with meal times and bedtimes. Keeping kids in their routine will help keep them stay calm and will help you feel a sense of order.
Always remember, while moving might be hard for you, it will likely be even harder for your kids. Remain optimistic with them and make the whole process a grand adventure. Make the process fun and memorable and as stress-free for them as possible. (It will help you feel more relaxed too!)