Moving is never an easy experience, and if you’re moving with children it can be a doubly difficult endeavor. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers they’ll undoubtedly be nervous about the transition, and they may even exhibit aggression in response to your decision. Still, there are ways to ease this tension and to make the move easier on your children. Follow the suggestions below to make the move as positive as possible for your children.
1. Be open. You may think that explaining the details of the move to your children is unnecessary or irrelevant, but in fact, the opposite is true. Older children will appreciate your honesty and will surely be able to understand both your reasons for the move and, hopefully, how it will benefit them in the long run. Younger children may not fully understand the concept of a new job or a different house, but if you explain it to them in their own terms, they’ll be able to digest it easier as the process unfolds.
2. Make the process fun. Moving involves a lot of dumping old items and purchasing new things for your new home. Let your children help with this process so that they’ll not only feel grown-up, but they’ll get to enjoy the excitement of picking new things.
Moving with kids
3. Visit your new city. If you’re moving far away, it may be expensive to visit your new city. Still, making this journey will be well worth the expense if it helps your child get more comfortable with the idea of moving. Let him or her visit the new house, see the new school and the playgrounds in the area so that there will be some familiarity upon arrival. You will not believe how much of a difference this visit can make for your child. (As an added plus, it will also give you an opportunity to set things up for your move in person.)
4. Keep memories close by. The first days in a new place are rough, but they can be made easier by remembering your old home. Bring a familiar blanket, photo album or toy that your child can enjoy while you’re waiting for the rest of your things to arrive. If your child is too quiet, encourage him to speak about his past, and explain to him how he’ll be able to integrate his new life into his old one. For example, if your child played sports in your old neighborhood, take him to find a sport league in your new one. Make sure that your child understands that he or she won’t be required to give up his hobbies or interests just because you’ve moved.
5. Plan a goodbye party. A great way for children to get closure before they move is to spend some time with all of their friends and family. A goodbye party can help your child say goodbye to everyone he loves without the process becoming too long or emotionally draining. It will also help your child leave with fond memories fresh in his mind.
Moving with children may not be easy, but the right strategies can help your child remember the move as a positive experience instead of a difficult one. Best of luck with your move!
This guest post was submitted by Sari Holtz. Sari is the voice behind Billy’s Blog and Billy.com, an online savings club that helps people save money on everything from moving services to milk.
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