Hello World! Welcome Friends! Moving is an overwhelming process both emotionally and physically, let alone if you have children.
Depending on their age and location, the move can involve changing schools and friends as well as a familiar surrounding. This type of transition means that their whole world could be shaken, and preparing them for it is essential to their wellbeing.
On the other hand, if you have a one-year-old, it’s likely they won’t even notice it.
Here are some healthy and helpful ways which will allow your children to have the least stressful transition possible.
Prepare Them as Early as Possible
Do not spring the news on your child five days before you move. Let them know as soon as possible that you’re thinking of moving. It’s a concern for some that telling them sooner may cause them unnecessary distress. The truth is, it probably will cause them stress, but not even close to the stress and helplessness they would experience if they felt that they and their emotions aren’t included in big family decisions.
Another plus is that sharing your reasoning behind your choice can help your children develop their own capacity to make tough and rational decisions, allowing them to learn how to weigh the pros and cons of any choice.
According to Plano movers, you should make sure to give them as much information as possible. They need to know what they can expect: when you are going to move and to where, whether or not you’ve picked a house, what their new school will be, and more. Prepping them in advance also means they will be able to spend time with their friends wisely and inform them about their move as well.
If your kids are on the younger side, start watching shows and reading books about moving so that it’s easier for them to grasp what is happening once you start the process.
Let Them Be Upset
No master the age, moving can be upsetting, and it most likely will be for your child. While they may throw short-term tantrums, keep in mind that with a kind approach, they will come to terms with it easier and faster.
Remind them all the time that it is alright to feel what they feel. And sure, depending on the situation, they can feel sadness, rage, loneliness, betrayal, anxiety, etc. The nuances of emotions are endless, and you have only one job here — to validate them, their concerns, and their feelings. Belittling or criticizing what they’re feeling can lead to more problems down the road.
Don’t force positive thinking right off the bat. Remember that they’re probably leaving their friends behind, or they’re in love with someone, or they feel very anxious about changing schools and a new environment.
If you notice that your kid is taking the news incredibly hard, consider counseling. It may provide relief to both you and your child.
Get Them Involved in the Move
When you start house hunting, let them look at the homes and give you feedback. It doesn’t matter whether you take that feedback into consideration or not, but it’s good that your kid feels like their opinion counts as well. And who knows, maybe you will end up listening to their advice.
Let them pick decor and some of the furniture for their room. They will most likely get super excited and it will help them to associate the move with positive feelings.
Engage them in the decluttering process, and have them go through their items and choose what they would like to keep or get rid of.
If your kid will be changing schools, bring them to see it before their classes start. It is good for them to know what to expect and to prepare.
Plan Lots of Friend Dates
Now is not the time for being super strict with sleeping hours and no-friends-on-workday rules. Let your kids use the time with their friends as much as possible. Before you leave, plan many play-dates and sleepover parties. Friends are essential to children’s mental and emotional wellbeing and growth, and it will mean a lot to them.
Make sure they are well aware that they will still be able to keep in touch with their friends and go on play-dates. They can also write letters or have video calls to keep in touch regularly.
They need to know that it’s not a “goodbye,” but only “see you later.”
Moving With Kids
As much as moving can be overwhelming, try to foster a positive attitude, especially if you’re dealing with younger teens. Children mirror their parent’s emotions, and they will feel if you’re anxious or agitated.
Always be honest, and tell them about the move as soon as you know. With kids, honesty always goes a long way. Plus, they will most likely sense if you’re keeping something from them. Let them feel it all, and validate their feelings. Problems that seem banal to you as an adult are their biggest problems — they take them seriously, so make sure that you do, too. Get them involved in the move, and let them see their friends as much as possible.
Perhaps the most important trick is to never forget to take care of yourself as well. You are human as well, and both you and your kids are facing more or less the same transition. Only if you take care of yourself will you be able to show up for your kids as well.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Matters to Consider While Buying a Home
How to Determine the Best Local Locksmith
How Can you Enhance the Energy Efficiency of Solar Panels?
Smart Ways to Make Your Open Plan Living Room Look Stunning
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
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