American families are on the move with one out of five changing residences each year, according to the National Network for Child Care, and the vast majority of those moves are within the same community or to a neighboring state. Moving, by its nature, is an emotional experience. Often it means stripping cherished family photos and favorite items from your home to showcase it for prospective buyers. Tossing, selling, and donating old or unused familiar items; uprooting your family, and leaving friends and old belongings behind can take its toll. All the cleaning, dusting, sorting, and packing can be physically and emotionally taxing, as families experience the inevitable sense of grief of moving on.
Moving can be a challenging experience for any family, but especially for one with children. A child’s personality and developmental age can dictate how you can help him or her adjust smoothly to the move. Outgoing children tend to make friends more easily while a more introverted child may take several months. No matter how cheerful a child’s disposition, moving can prompt a roller coaster of emotions, so don’t be surprised if your child is elated one day and depressed the next as he or she adapts to the situation.
There are things you can do to make the move easier and even fun for your children. For example, you can promote teamwork by creating a plan and assigning each child a designated area of responsibility, or asking your child to “be in charge” of a task, i.e., making sure all boxes are labeled. A wise parent can turn a stressful situation into a positive adventure. Here are some tips to help you gear up for a smooth move:
Infant To Toddler
Children at this tender age are highly sensitive to a parent’s emotional state. Do your best to remain calm, loving, and even-keeled around your young ones to help them feel a sense of stability amid this impending change. Be careful not to confuse toddlers by being inconsistent with the household rules you have set for them or the routines you have established such as not drawing on the walls with crayons and specified snack and nap times. Allowing them to choose a few toys or a stuffed animal to bring along on the trip to the new home will make them feel special.
Preschool Age
Your preschooler is likely to express excitement about the move, but not be able to fully grasp what it means. Again, keeping your routines predictable and consistent is important. Pack your child’s belongings last and ask him or her to help with the tasks and to choose which items to leave behind. Take the time to explain how moving to a new home entails making a fresh start and starting a new adventure and that they can keep in touch with their special friends always and develop new friendships.
School-Age
Relationships are paramount to school-age children. Make sure you spend some time helping them understand how living in a new location does not mean that he or she has to break ties with friends and that it can be exciting to meet new friends. As a parent, you can help them socialize by getting to know the parents at their new school and perhaps encouraging your child to enroll in after-school activities where they will have a chance to mingle with their new peers.
Teenagers
Friends and romantic relationships are paramount to teens. Give them plenty of time to digest the news of the move so they can prepare physically and emotionally. Encourage your teenager to express his or her feelings openly and listen with an open heart. Invite them to take a visit to the new neighborhood and school so they can get a feel for the new environment.
Be a Good Role Model
Parents are the first models for their children. If you are upbeat about the move and take the lead in getting the family organized, there’s a high probability that your children will follow suit. If you create a plan for the move and assign each child designated tasks, for example, it sets the tone for a consistent, organized team approach to what could be a chaotic, emotion-filled situation if not handled with care.
Be upfront about the situated and tell the children about the move as soon as possible to give them time to adjust to the upcoming change. Answer any questions they may have with an extra dose of patience. Remember that if your child sees you getting involved in your new community and meeting neighbors, he or she will feel more comfortable to do the same. You can also encourage peer interaction by helping your children review options for participation in new groups such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, 4-H Club, church groups, or athletic teams at school. Before long, the family will be acclimated in their new surroundings and the new place will feel like home.
http://www.homesadvisory.com/moving-guide-making-your-move-kid-friendly.html
