Tips on making a move easier on the kids

Moving — even the word can give you the shivers. Inarguably, it is one of the most stressful events of one’s life. Bring kids into the equation, and it becomes even more stressful. Kids don’t want to leave behind their favorite teacher or their best friends. Just like you, the parent, they will need to start over, finding new friends and learning to adjust to a new neighborhood.

Moving is never easy, but you can make moving easier on kids by following some tips like these.

Be honest

Be upfront with your kids about your plans to move. You don’t want them to find out by seeing a for-sale sign in front of the home or by overhearing one of their teachers talking about it. Tell your children about the move as soon as you decide on it. Explain to them why you are moving, where you are moving to and when everything will be taking place. Research your new community so you can tell them about the neighborhood, school, parks and other things you know they will enjoy. It will help keep you informed and make it that much easier to answer any questions your kids may have.

Moving is hard on both children and parents. But involving your children in the move from the very beginning is one way to make the event easier on everyone. (Metro Creative Services)

Let your kids express their feelings, whether they be anger, sadness, worry or excitement about the move. Be sure to reassure them that you will be there to address any of their concerns.

Involve your kids

Keep your kids involved in the moving process of both homes. In your old home, let them help pack up their own belongings. That ratty teddy bear you can’t wait to throw out may be your child’s best friend during a thunderstorm in your new home. Having your kids fill out a change of address card or return those old library books are two more examples of how you can get them involved.

Let them pick out furniture for their new room, or let them choose the paint color for the walls. That way, your new home will have a piece of them in it.

Investigate

You can talk all you want about your new hometown, but the best way to get your kids excited about the new place is to take them there. Explore the new neighborhood. Play in the park. Eat at a local restaurant. Visit their new school. Ask the school for the names of students in your child’s class who live near your new home. That way, you can say hello before you move in so your child will already have a friend in the neighborhood. While in town, sign up for an extracurricular activity sponsored by the school or community center such as a sports team, music lessons or art class. Not only will these activities keep your child occupied, they will give him a chance to meet new people and have something to look forward to in your new town.

Make it a clean break

While it is important to get your child excited about your new home, it’s also important to say goodbye to those he is leaving behind. Get the phone numbers and e-mail and home addresses of the people you won’t be seeing anymore. That way, your kids will know they can still keep in touch.

Throw your child and his friends a goodbye pizza party or a make-your-own-sundae party. Say goodbye to your home as a family too. Set up a time for your whole family to say goodbye to neighbors, family, and friends. Hit your favorite restaurant or park one last time. By giving kids closure, they’ll be more excited about the new memories that await them.

Moving will never be easy for children or parents. But, by following a few simple tips, you, as a parent, can help make the transition go as smoothly as possible for the whole family.

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