Moving With Young Children: What You Need to Know
Children of any age may be agitated by a move. A common reaction is for them to become anxious and uneasy. But don't be discouraged; there are numerous things you can do to make your children's relocation experience less frightening for them.
Include them in the planning process from the beginning
Inform your children as soon as you become aware that you will be relocating; do not surprise them with the news at the last minute. Explain to them why you're relocating in words that they can comprehend. Do you need more space? Are you moving due to a new employment opportunity? Make careful to clarify what will take place so that they will understand what is going on. This will alleviate a great deal of the anxiety and confusion they may be experiencing. Explain to them when the relocation will take place and how their belongings will be transported from the old to the new home. Make sure to provide them with as complete a response as you possibly can. Keep in mind that your attitude about the relocation will rub off on the kids, so be cheerful and optimistic. You may pick from among the numerous children's books about moving that are available to help them prepare even more. "Berenstain Bear's Moving Day" by Sam Berenstain and "Goodbye House" by Frank Asch are only a few examples of such works. More information may be found at your local library.
Make the relocation a thrilling adventure
In order to alleviate your children's worries, you should treat the upcoming relocation as an exciting experience for the whole family. The more enthusiastic you are about the relocation, the more enthusiastic they will be as well. Make sure they realize that they will not be forgotten. Involve them in the planning process by soliciting their input and ideas. If at all feasible, take them on a tour of the new home and allow them to spend some time investigating it. Demonstrate to them where their rooms will be located. Make it easier for children to envision the space where their furniture and toys will be placed. Display the yard and assist them in visualizing all the enjoyment they will get from being in it. If it is not feasible for them to visit the new home, take as many pictures as possible so that they may have a sense of what it looks like and get acquainted with it. Discuss all of the exciting activities that the family will be able to do there.
Allow them to assist you
If you include your children in the decision-making process, they are far more likely to accept it and even become enthusiastic about the move. Even if you have to go back and repack some of their things, allow them to pack some of their own belongings as well. This will assist them in feeling that they are a part of the relocation. If there are any old toys that you do not intend to take, ask the children to assist you in deciding which ones should be given away to other children and which ones should be thrown away.
What to do on the day of your move
A family member or trusted friend should be enlisted to watch the youngsters on the day of the relocation. If this isn't feasible, be sure to include them in the moving process as much as possible. If you are using a moving company, introduce your children to the employees so that they are aware of who is taking their belongings away. Alternatively, you might give them a box of their own to pack. This might be a box containing sentimental items that you're transporting in the vehicle with you. It should contain all of the items that your children can't live without, such as their favorite stuffed animals, a particular blanket, or maybe their favorite pajamas. The following three objectives will be met. It will keep the youngsters busy and make them feel helpful, and it will also guarantee that you are aware of the precise location of these precious belongings. No one wants to arrive at their new house and not know where to find Susie's scruffy old teddy or Johnny's beloved action figure, would they? It will also provide the youngsters a sense of security since they will have their most valuable possessions with them at all times.
You've started your journey to your new home
If you're traveling to your new house, make the journey as interesting as you possibly can! If the children can associate the relocation with family activities, they will be a lot more enthusiastic about it. If you're going on a long trip, make sure you pack plenty of toys or books to keep the kids entertained. Everyone could give their own narrative about what they expected it would be like to live in the new home, which would be interesting. You'll be excited and ready to begin this new chapter in your life when you arrive.
Bookmark
Moving With Young Children: What You Need to Know