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Finding moving companies can be challenging enough, moving with a family can be even more difficult. There are a lot of changes going
on for you and your family. That's why it is critical to spend some time
helping your kids cope with the changes going on around them. The advice
set out in this guide will help your move go more smoothly.
When to Move School Age Kids
When your kids are school age, you might be tempted to plan your move
for the school holidays. In reality, this can actually make things harder
for your kids. School is most likely the first place your kids can be
assured of making friends. Thus, moving during the school holidays places
your child in unfamiliar and new surroundings at a time when their chances
of making friends are low.
- As school resumes, your child may feel even more left out. As the
first day return to school is filled with the excitement and hustle
and bustle that occurs after a holiday vacation, your child may feel
like a stranger.
- When you schedule your move during the school year, it allows your
kids to go from one social setting to another.
- The teacher and the other kids will be more willing to show your child
some extra special attention when they are the only new person.
Does Age Make a Difference?
- Generally speaking, the younger the child, the better they will cope
with the transition of moving to a new home.
- Very young children and infants may be confused. It is a good idea
to try to explain to them what's happening and make it like an adventure.
- The biggest worry that school age children endure is whether they
will make new friends and fit in easily a their new school.
- Because teenagers' friends provide them with a sense of identity,
it is more difficult for teens to feel comfortable with the idea of
moving to a new home.
Before the Move
- As you start making plans for your move, remember to focus on what
your kids can look forward to.
- After all, if you see your move as an exciting adventure, your kids
will also be very enthusiastic.
- Right from the start, you might want to take them with you on house-hunting
adventures. In cases where it might not be practical to have them tagging
along, don't forget to bring back pictures of hot prospects you're considering.
- After you've found the new home, be sure to take pictures of local
places of interest.
Communication is the Key
- Don't forget to keep the channels of communication open. Before and
during your move, encourage your kids to tell you about their uncertainties.
- Most likely, you're probably feeling a little nervous about moving
too (no matter how promising your new situation is likely to be).
- After your move, spend time together with your family. Listen to each
other's stories so that you can be sure how everyone is coping with
the change.
Getting the Kids Involved
It's only natural that your kids will want to be involved with what's
going on. Some examples of ways to get your kids involved are:
- Asking them to help plan for and organize your garage sale. They could
make colorful posters to stick up around the neighborhood.
- Allowing them to choose a small number of toys or other items to keep
with them on moving day.
- Empowering them by letting them pack and label a few of their own
boxes
- Making sure they have a special job to take care of on moving day.
This will help them feel as if they're making a valuable contribution.
- Allowing them to decide how their new rooms should decorated and arranged.
What About Childcare?
- Undoubtedly you will be offered a lot of conflicting advice whether
you should keep your kids with you on moving day or arrange childcare.
- Keep in mind that you are the best judge of what's right for your
kids.
Saying Goodbye
- It is critical that your children have the enough time to say good-bye
to the family members and friends they're leaving behind.
- You should encourage them to exchange contact information. Fortunately,
for most of us today, our friends are only a few keystrokes away via
e-mail.
Settling In
Understand that it is like that there may be a grieving period for children…it
may last a few weeks, perhaps even a few months. Here are a few easy things
you can do to make moving easier for your kids.
- Investigate and explore your new neighborhood together. Look for new
and exciting things.
- Go to your new child's school with them beforehand…walk around the
new school together to help them find their bearings.
- Accompany your kids on their route to school until they are comfortable
traveling by themselves.
- Seek out after-school activities where your children can make new
friends with similar interests.
- Don't forget to encourage them to keep in touch with old friends.
Keeping an Eye Out for Early Warning Signs
- A major change is always difficult for a child. Even the most well
adjusted child can have difficulty coping with moving.
- Be watchful, it's important to pick up on early warning signs that
your child may need extra help adjusting.
Here are some things to watch out for
- Withdrawn behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Problems sleeping, or regular nightmares
- Outbursts of anger or tears
- Reluctance to stray far from the house or family
- Difficulty making new friends
Additional Hints for Moving Kids
- There are children's books that help kids come to terms and understand
an upcoming move, and cope with some of the feelings they may be experiencing.
- If you've got young children, it's important to remove dangerous situations
and to child proof your home.
- The sooner you teach your kids your new address and phone number,
the better.
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