Kids and Moving
Moving ranks in the top 10 of the most stressful events for the average adult, and once you add children to the equation, it's chaotic.
Here are some great tips to help parents prepare their children for a move, and to adjust to their new home and community.
1. Mention the upcoming move as soon as possible.
Waiting until the For Sale sign appears on your lawn, or having your kids find out about the move from neighbours, will only leave them feeling left out and most likely, angry.
2. Discuss, in an age-appropriate manner, some of the pros and cons of moving.
Most children get great comfort from simply being heard, and by being assured that their parents are committed to helping them adjust to a new environment.
3. Investigate your new community together.
Most cities or towns have their own website to advertise their community. You'll find information on the lifestyle, and a list of local amenities - schools, places of worship, recreation centres, community sports associations, and parks. Most sites will also include the nearest shopping malls, movie theatres, and special attractions, such as water parks, horse stables, and public beaches.
4. Resist the urge to discard old unused toys.
Ask your children to separate their toys into three piles. Pile 1 comes with them to the new house. Pile 2 is for donating to a local shelter or community centre, and pile 3 is only for those toys that they understand are beyond repair, and for safety sake, should be thrown away. This provides a feeling of control in a situation that is largely, out of their control.
5. Pack young children's items last.
To reduce anxiety, ask younger children to help pack some of their belongings, and explain that every item that goes into a box, will be safely unpacked at the new house. Assemble some fun packing materials - bubble wrap for swaddling dolls and soft toys, a variety of brightly coloured markers to write their name, and a selection of stickers to decorate, and easily identify the contents of each box.
6. Take your children to visit the new home at least once prior to moving day.
A short, but upbeat tour helps establish familiarity with the home. They can choose their bedroom, or designate a future play area as their own.
7. Host a party for the kids after the move.
Invite friends over to enjoy a night of pizza and movies. Take photos of each guest posing with your child. Keep one copy for your child, and give one to each guest.
8. Help your kids make new friends
Making friends at school is common, but if your moving date is after June, then your child could face a long, lonely summer. Keep your child from feeling isolated by taking a few steps. Ask your neighbours if other children of the same age are close by. Ask those neighbours if they're interested in allowing the children to play together at the local park during supervised dates.
9. After the move, organize a 'family exploring day'.
Let your children help you plan an afternoon walk, or a scenic drive through a specific part of your new town. This helps your children familiarize themselves with the community, and creates lasting memories associated with your home.
10. Involve the kids in bedroom decoration.
Even the youngest child will have ideas about the new design. Whether it's the proper wall colour, selecting the right spot for the toy box, or even night lights, this will help to embrace the space.
Above all, keep the communication lines open - before, during, and after the move. Depending on the child, it can take a few days to many months to adjust to new surroundings.
