Generally speaking, children normally adapt well to new surroundings, but there are a few points to consider that could make your life a whole lot easier when moving to a new home. The basics typically include communication, reassurance and helping your children become involved in the relocation process, but without overwhelming them. However, there are a few more specific actions you can carry out to further smooth over the process:
Talk to your kids about moving. Explain what the new house will be like and what they can expect. Don’t try to keep anything a secret.
- Comfort your children. They will very easily pick up on your frustration, which inevitably occurs during relocation, so just be honest. Youngsters will quickly see through a lie, so just let them know that even though you’re a little busy at the moment, things will calm down soon and that they shouldn’t worry.
- Let them help! Give them a pen and let them label all of their own boxes. If you’re okay with it, let them organize their room or pack their own toys.
- Make it fun. If you have smaller kids, pick up a children’s book or two about moving day.
- If you can, let the kids pick their own rooms in the new house.
- Let your children help decorate their new room.
- If your kids have special utensils or dishes, make sure to pack them in the “open first” box so that they have something familiar on the first day.
- Unpack the kids’ room first so that they feel at home as soon as possible.
– Lance Grooms
