Tips for Helping Children through a Move

Making a move to a new home can be a stressful experience for adults. But it’s tougher for your children, who may not understand the decision or feel a part of the process.

Your children may need some special attention from you through the moving process. Here are some great tips to help your children through a move:

Keep them in the loop. The transition will go much smoother if your kids are in the know about the details. Openly communicate and keep a calendar about important dates, like when to pack.

Level of involvement. Kids will feel less like a move is being forced on them when they are somewhat involved in the process. As much as possible, make them feel involved by bringing them along to look at potential houses or new schools.

Planning their new room. Moving can also be new and exciting, so let your kids help plan how they would like to arrange and decorate their new room, making them feel involved.

Bring familiarity to a new home. Even a new home can feel familiar for kids when some of your current furniture, accessories or even artwork make the move too. Try planting some of their favorite toys in the new home as a surprise for them to find when you arrive.

Get familiar with new surroundings. Show them photos and videos of the new home, along with the surrounding area, to help them feel comfortable and familiar. Look at online maps together and pick out some local landmarks to visit.

Get involved in the new school and the community. A move for kids is always easier with new friends. Instead of getting too sentimental about what was left behind, get positive about their new surroundings. Get your kids involved in new activities, sports teams, and church groups. Introduce them to neighborhood kids and meet new teachers and coaches so they get to know your child.

Continue rituals and routines. Sticking to family rituals and routines – like game night or Taco Tuesday – will make kids feel at home and like the house is the only new thing in their life. Start new routines and pastimes that appeal to the new start.