Relocating is a great deal for families, even when you are just moving across the street. You will need to move things physically transport them and determine where they are.
For kids of every age, this is more difficult. They don’t fall asleep and lose most of their friends. Little kids can become clingy, while teens get sad and angry.
Plus, it doesn’t help that they have cranky parents, struggling to cope up with many tasks. So as a parent, you need to help your kids adjust to the move through the following ways:
Break the Moving News Gently and Early
Tell your children once you know the move is decided and imminent. Don’t just wait until the day before movers come to your doorstep to break the news.
Children need more time to adjust. Ensure they understand why you want to move. If it is because you landed a new job, let them know.
For younger children who know nothing about moving, consider playing therapy. You can use toys and dolls to act out the family moving one home to another.
Choose the Right Moving Service with Kids in Mind
Determine which moving company can work best for you and your family. For instance, full-service movers might not be a good idea if you have younger children because of the extended time it usually takes to get a shipment.
Plus, you don’t want to use rental trucks if you have children in car seats. Moving options, such as U-Pack, where you enjoy cost-savings of loading and packing your things and are free to drive together in your personal car, can be a suitable option for your family.
Do Things Routinely
The challenge of relocating means your things are in constant disarray while a big checklist of to-do items hangs over your head. It also means tears may sneak up, and emotional triggers can engage you at each turn.
Fortunately, you can balance the turmoil of relocating by keeping what you may control routinely. Probably it is the consistent bedtime routine for your 4-year-old child, with the same snuggles, stories, and prayers.
For a routine, which you cannot maintain during your moves, such as family dinners, weekly playdates, or evening baths, do all you can to establish new ones or reinvent the same routines.
Have a Field Trip
Plan a reconnaissance work with kids before the actual day of your move. Drive across the streets and around the new neighborhood to ensure you notice every important landmark, building, and park.
Keep also an eye for every point of interest, which can be special to your kids. This includes spotting toy stores, pet shops, skate parks, or pizzeria. With this, they will feel more at home.
In a Nutshell!
Simply put, starting life anew is challenging, and every kid adapts to this in various ways. So if your kids take more time to adjust, that is fine.
Regardless of how long it takes, it is vital to be proactive, supportive, and patient to find the right ways for them to cope. Concentrate also to spend time together and check on how things are going each day.