Moving to a new house, city or state can be exciting and offer wonderful opportunities for everyone. Families moving with children may be faced with additional challenges because of young children or teenagers having trouble adjusting to the change. How you prepare and handle the move can determine how well your children adjust to the move and how quickly. Consider these tips for preparing children, reducing stress and pulling off a successful move.
Research the New Location
Parents should research the new area before talking to their children about moving. Supplying them with information about the neighborhood and new city helps to create curiosity and interest while answering their questions. Even a move just across town can be a major move to a child. Providing current information about the new place helps to reduce your children's fears and anxieties about moving.
Check out recreation centers, parks and nearby community centers offering crafts and children's entertainment. Find out what clubs, sports and after-school activities will be available for your children. Looking into ways to incorporate your kids into a new community ahead of time will help ease the transition and reduce feelings of isolation in the first few months post-move.
Explaining the Purpose of the Move
There are many reasons for moving. You may have a new job in a different city, be going through a divorce, or simply be buying a new home in a nicer area of town. Regardless of the reason, it is important that parents present a positive attitude around their children. Kids can sense things quickly and often follow the lead presented by parents.
Set aside time in a quiet location where you can discuss the move with all of your children. Explain why you must move with enough details to make it understandable for children of all ages. Speak with your children about their feelings and questions. Each child in the family may have different concerns about the move. Teenagers are usually more concerned about their social life, while younger children may feel scared and unsure. Now is the time to reassure them.
Involve Children in Decisions
Get your children involved in the move. This not only resolves fears but helps them feel as though they are contributing to your new life together. Listen to their questions and concerns. Answer them honestly and research answers to their questions together if you don't have them ready. When feasible, take your children house hunting. Your children's opinions and ideas help to unite the family and make them part of the move. When you get to the new place, try letting kids pick out the color or furniture in their new room. The ability to customize their own living space might make it seem more familiar and more appealing.
Making the Transition
It is often easier to make a major move before the beginning of a new school year. Kids can start the first day of class just like all the other students and avoid feeling like they are the center of attention. Get your children involved in the community and school functions right away. This will help them to establish new interests and friendships as soon as possible. It's also a good idea to help your children stay in contact with their old friends via email, letters and phone calls to make the transition easier. It helps to let kids know that moving away doesn't mean they have to give up friendships they already have.
This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, active mother of two and avid traveler. If you're a family or business looking to get your place from one location to another, Samantha recommends the services of ER Hawthorne, freight forwarders in Houston.
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