I just wrote a well received post about moving with your pets and thought about all the special considerations when moving with kids. Children can have a difficult time with moving because of attachments they have made such as friends, activities and surroundings. Preparing them well in advance for the move and discussing the positive reasons for the move can make the process easier for you and them too.
- Show your children the new neighborhood and home to familiarize them with the new location. Get them involved with the process such as organizing and packing to give them a sense of control.
- Stay involved with your children and let them get involved in activities they enjoy. Try to maintain some routines with the children to help with the adjustment period. A familiar game or activity can go a long way to let them know everything is not changing.
- Have a house warming party. It will help you as well as the children get to know your neighbors and the neighborhood. Encourage your kids to engage with other kids and make new friends and it helps to set an example by doing the same yourself.
- If your kids are little, seperate them from the moving process. Get a sitter or friend to take them away for the day. Watching you move everything out of their house can be tramatic, but more importantly, dangerous. Or keep the children in one room so they are out of the way and nothing could be dropped on them and to prevent them or others from getting hurt.
- Once the heavy lifting is done, get your kids involved in setting up your new home. Organize the kids’s rooms first and let them help. It will give them a sense of ownership and control in their new enviroment and let them feel welcome in their new home
Most importantly, talk to your kids. Reinforce that you love them and you will all work together in making a new happy home for your family.They should feel like they can come to you to talk and don't be afraid to tell them of your frustrations too. It can be a help to know that you're struggling with some of the same issues and are working to overcome them too.
No comments:
Post a Comment