Parents Can Help Their Children When Moving
We’ve all heard that moving can be one of the most stressful things we will ever do. Right up there with changing jobs and divorce. Parents often feel the logistical stress, but the child in each one of us will feel the move in a completely different way.
Children often worry about the new teacher, leaving their friends and leaving sports teams and other organizations. All of this means major challenges and major opportunities for families with children.
Moving can also be a time of closeness for families, a time to learn about ourselves, and a time of new horizons. In order to make the most of your move here are some important ways parents can help their children when moving.
- Keep the children informed from the very beginning. Take them house hunting, get them interested in looking for things that they would like in a new home and a new neighborhood. Of course they can’t make the final decision, but the parents can listen carefully to what the children want and be sure to incorporate those desires into the final purchase. This will make everybody feel important and included and focus the attention on the excitement of the new.
- Get the children excited about decorating their new rooms. Allow them to choose the colors they would like and even pick the furniture if the budget allows. Take them to the paint store and allow them to dream.
- Parents often set a negative tempo around moving. Be up-beat and share with them your vision for your family and why moving will be a good thing for everyone. The smaller children will most likely be easy to sway to your views, but helping the older children to understand why you are making the decision to move will go a long way towards making allies of them and also teach them how to make good decisions when they are adults.
- After you’ve chosen the new home, if possible, take a day or a weekend to discover and get excited about the new area. Visit what the children are interested in. If you have an artist in the family, take him to the museum or find local classes on different forms of art. If they are interested in athletics, find out about organized sports in the area, or professional teams that make the new city their home. Check out libraries for your readers, parks for the young ones and outdoor activities for the family to do together. If the weather allows, take a picnic and make a family day.
- Plan a goodbye party for friends and family in the old location. It can be much easier to say good-bye when fun and games are involved. Kids will remember the good times and it will be much easier to let go. Be sure everyone exchanges emails and social media so that relationships can continue on.
Many times all that is necessary for health is feeling listened to and supported. Make it your business to listen to the concerns of your children and address each one with realistic support for their desires. This can make a world of difference in the lives of your children, when it comes to moving as much as at any other time. It just takes some time and attention to make moving an enjoyable experience for every member of your family!
And don’t forget, when you are ready to move home or office we would love to help! Get your free online quote today!
More stress free moving ideas.
Comments Off on Parents Can Help Their Children When Moving
