This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
When it comes to the dramas of childhood, it’s best to keep things simple. Even if you don’t mind the idea of a new school year, a new group of people, and a new bedroom, moving can be challenging, if not traumatizing. There is a way out of this.
First and foremost, children are remarkably robust and flexible. When moving with children, adults have the ability to decrease the tears and anxieties that typically accompany the process of relocating. Take a look at our top nine recommendations for making moving with family as easy as possible for everyone involved, keeping in mind that every child and every family scenario is unique.
Be Honest
As soon as the preparations are set, explain to your children why and when you’ll be moving. Is this a move for work purposes? If so, why are you making the move? Tell the children, since they’re more intelligent than we give them credit for being. It’s as if our kids have a sixth sense, and they can sense even minute shifts in the energy of the house. So, rather than waiting for the ideal moment, just tell them straight away.
Give them some time to digest and process the information. However, ensuring that your family is aware of your plans and updated on the progress will go a long way toward making the transition easier for everyone. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/resilience/ to learn more about how to approach these difficult conversations with your children.
Encourage Your Children To Join You On The Journey
Enlist the help of your children in every step of the process, from finding a new home to packing up your belongings.
Get them interested in the following ways:
Involve them in the decision to choose your new home
When shopping for a new house, it’s a simple matter of looking at photographs together online or bringing them along to visit new properties. Inquire of them, hear what they have to say, and take their advice into account when making your final decision.
Take a couple boxes and send them to their rooms
As long as you do it age-appropriately, involving your children in the relocation process makes them feel like they’re a part of it, which can make the adjustment go more smoothly.
Let your children’s creative side out to play
Let your children help you design their new bedrooms, from paint colors to bedding. Every child’s face lights up when they get to pick out their own new toys or treats.
Embrace Your New Town with Your Family Including Your Children
Negotiate a trip to your new city as part of your relocation package if you’re relocating for work, and bring your kids along. Make a day trip out of it and see what the neighborhood has to offer, especially family-friendly attractions like playgrounds and ice cream parlors. When you finally move to your new location, your children will feel more at ease if you introduce them to the local attractions before you arrive.
Reach Out To Other Parents
This is a win-win situation for both you and your children. Make use of the contacts you’ll find on social media. There is always someone who knows someone else, right? As an alternative, in the event of a job transfer, inquire with your new HR director about the existence of any nearby parent support groups. Moving with kids? That’s a no-brainer. Weekly story times and playgroups can be found at your local library. You and your children can easily make new acquaintances, which is crucial for settling in and feeling at home. Adults moving over the summer months can benefit from visiting the community center in your new neighborhood to find new friends for their children.
Prepare For A Trip Back Home To Visit Old Friends
Rather than saying “goodbye,” try saying “see you soon!” instead. Because we all enjoy anticipating something, we begin counting down the days to Christmas as early as July. Plan a visit to your former hometown with the same sense of eagerness. Your children will be comforted by the fact that a visit is scheduled. Reconnecting with loved ones is usually a good thing, so keeping them close to your heart is a good alternative.
Allow Enough Time For Preparations
As the days count down to your move, expect a slew of surprises: friends coming by to wish you well, neighborhood farewell parties, and, of course, the inevitable outburst of one of your children — or you, the parent. Allow extra wiggle room in case of unforeseen delays. Consider portable moving containers, which allow you to take as long as you need to get your belongings moved. Literally. While you wait for the containers to be picked up and moved to the new location, you may move at your own leisure because they are conveniently parked in your driveway. The cherry on top? That means you’ll be able to keep your attention on your children at all times.
There Is No Worst Time To Move A Child
When it comes to relocating from the only place they’ve ever known, each generation has unique hurdles. For teenagers and tweens, the loss of long-term friends is a source of melancholy. There’s nothing worse than being a new kid in town when the school year has already begun. There’s the challenge of adapting to a new environment and the loss of familiar people for toddlers who are just beginning to learn about the world. As a caregiver, it’s your job to help your loved one see the bright side of the situation, and you can do so by putting a positive spin on it. Remind your teenagers of the opportunity to start over and broaden their horizons. Whether it’s a shopping trip or a hair and makeover, there are many ways to celebrate.
Lastly, Have Faith In Your Instincts
At any age, moving can be a stressful experience, but children’s reactions differ. Make sure they know you’re there to support them and keep them from being depressed. If you’re a parent who thinks they’re on top of things, be sure to check in with your kids to see how they’re adjusting to the new normal. While unpacking, if you notice your child is having trouble, take a break and do something relaxing with them, such as play a game or read a book. A hug can be all that is needed to get through a difficult period. For children of all ages, too.
