How to Prepare your Children for a Move

Many families will have to relocate sooner or later. As disruptive as moving can be for parents, it can be even more so for children, who may not have been involved in the decision and may not understand it. During the transition, children may require some time and special attention. To make the process less stressful for everyone, try these tips – how to prepare your children for a move.

Making the choice to move

On familiarity and routine, many kids thrive. So, as you consider a move, weigh the advantages of that change against the comfort your children receive from the established environment, school, and social life. If your family has recently experienced a major life change, such as divorce or death, you may want to postpone a move to give your children time to adjust.

It may be out of your hands to decide to move, perhaps due to a job transfer or financial problems. Try to keep a positive attitude about the move, even if you don’t like it. The moods and attitudes of a parent can greatly affect children during times of transition, who may be looking for reassurance.

Having a conversation with your children about the move

No matter what the circumstances, talking about it is the most important way to prepare children to move. Try to give them as much information as soon as possible about the move. Fully and truthfully answer questions and be receptive to both positive and negative reactions. 

Involving children as much as possible in the planning process makes them feel like participants in the house-hunting or school-search process. This can make the modification feel less like it is being forced on them.

Try taking your kids to visit the new house and explore the new neighborhood if you’re moving across town. Provide as much information about the new home, city, and state as possible for long-distance moves (or country). 

To learn about the community, access the Internet. Learn where children can take part in their favorite activities. See if your child can take pictures of the new house and new school for a relative, friend, or even a real estate agent.

Toddlers and preschoolers on the move

Children under the age of six may be the easiest to move because they have a limited capacity to comprehend the changes. Even so, your guidance is important. 

Here are some suggestions for easing the transition for young children:

• Maintain clear and simple explanations.
• Use a storey to clarify the move or act it out using toy trucks and furniture.
• Explain to your toddler that you are not throwing away their toys when you pack them in boxes.
• If your new home is close by and vacant, pay a visit before the move and bring a few toys with you.
• Hold off getting rid of your child’s old bedroom furniture, which can provide a sense of comfort in the new house. It might even be a good idea to arrange the furniture in the new bedroom in the same way.
• Avoid making other major changes during the move, such as toilet training or advancing a child from a crib to a bed.
• Arrange for a babysitter to watch your toddler or preschooler on moving day.

Moving with school-age children

While elementary school students may be more open to moving, they still require careful consideration and assistance throughout the process.

There are generally two major types of thoughts when it comes to “the right time to move. Summer is the best time, some experts say, because it avoids disrupting the school year. Others say mid-year is better because a child can immediately meet other children.

Gather any information that the new school will need to process the transfer to avoid glitches that would add stress. The most recent report card or transcript and a birth certificate and medical records may be included.

Moving with adolescents

It’s common for teenagers to oppose a change actively. Your adolescent has most likely invested a lot of time and effort in a particular social group, and he or she may be involved in a romantic relationship. A move may cause your teen to miss a much-anticipated event, such as a prom.

It’s especially important to let teenagers know that you care about their concerns and that you value their opinions. While blanket assurances may come across as dismissive, it’s reasonable to believe that the move will serve as a warm-up for future transitions, such as college or a new job. However, be sure to acknowledge that you are aware of their concerns.

Consider planning a visit back to the old neighbourhood after the move, if it’s possible. Also, see if the teen can come back for activities such as prom or homecoming.

If you’re moving midway through a school year, if that’s an option, you may want to consider letting an older teen stay with a friend or relative in the old location. 

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