The family move can be tough on children. With all the stresses a move presents to parents, kids need some attention, too. What are parents to do when making a move with children? Here are 5 simple tips to move with children.
Tip #1: Keep smiling. Erratic as children may seem, they are used to structure and routine. School, yard, and neighborhood friends make up their world. And, they will need time to adjust before and after the move.
Parents will show their stresses and emotions directly and indirectly. And, because children pick up on those signals early, you need to develop a strategy for communicating.
Tip #2: Talk it up. You might schedule a series of family meetings where you break the news in segments. These meetings would solicit positive and negative feedback which you would resolve by the next meeting.
You will also be approached separately by children acting in their own interest. And, if you can answer them completely, honestly, and cheerfully, it comforts them.
Tip #3: Bring them in. You can distract children by including them in the process. They appreciate having input on the house hunting and school selection. When possible, you can shop the new neighborhood with them, checking out the pizza restaurants and ice cream parlors.
If it is a new home under construction, you can include their input on room selection and decor. If it is an established home, you can seek their input on plans for remodeling as you walk-through. It the move takes you well beyond your children’s travel experience, you can bring them into your move with Skype, internet, and Instagram applications.
Tip #4: Take them to school. Toddlers only want the truth. You can frame a story or board game that makes things seem fun. Let them take “throwaway” toys to charity, and have them pack their own boxes with colorful signage that identifies their ownership.
Moving older children during the summer months allows them to visit their new schools, transfer records, and make new neighborhood friends. Changing schools can be an emotional event for many children, especially teens.
Teens will bring some drama to the situation, especially if they are deeply involved in sports, activities, and/or romances. If possible, you might let the teen stay behind with friends or family until the end of the school year. You need to listen constructively to their input as you tour new schools. Perhaps, you can redirect their interest with wardrobe shopping or a new bedroom set. And, use internet technology to show them just how small the world is and how they can stay in touch.
Tip #5: Give them time. Most children – even over-dramatic teens – will make the best of things in time. Keep the change alive by discussing the child’s day in the new setting. Make sure their expectations are realistic, and do not promise more than you can deliver.
Plan exploratory family events to new landmarks, museums, parks, and recreational outlets. Try to maintain the normalcy of naps, family dinners, and homework hours. And, listen to their reports from school life in case there is something you need to deal with or head off.
For parents and children, a move is basically a matter of adjustment. The difference is that the parents can and must manage the adjustment; children have no such obligation. Leave your location with a party, and continue the fun at your new place. Keep the children out of the work of the move, and let them demonstrate their anxiety. Family makes the home, and not the other way around, so keep things familiar and steady with these 5 simple tips to move with children.
The best of moving companies Colts Neck, NJ will, for example, help moving parents with children. They bring experience and processes to make the move easier and reduce parental stress enough to pay attention to their children’s needs.
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Author’s Bio
Wendy Dessler
Title: Super-Connector at OutreachMama
Wendy is a super-connector with OutreachMama and Youth Noise NJ who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition. You can contact her on Twitter.
