Debbie Even for adults who have experience of moving home, uprooting your life and starting again somewhere else is an unsettling prospect. Imagine how confusing and potentially disruptive moving home can be for children if the circumstances are handled poorly. To protect your child from the possible upheaval of moving to a new home, here are a few tips that will help you communicate with them and make the process easier from start to finish.
Be Upfront Early
Some parents may feel inclined to wait until the last possible moment before telling their children about their upcoming move. This usually comes from a desire to minimize the length of time the child feels any stress, but this can be counterproductive. Preparing your child by telling them sooner gives them more time to process the information and grow to accept it. Change is a natural part of existence and children cannot be protected from this truth indefinitely. Give your child time to come to terms with the idea of moving so that the move itself is less troubling.
Simplify the Process for Yourself
The simpler the moving process is for you, the more you can focus on making it easy for your kids. This means being organized about preparing your home for sale and searching for your next property. For example, getting a reliable house valuation so you know how much to ask for when putting your home on the market. Keep your own head clear by planning carefully and talking to the experts so you don’t feel rushed or at risk of making any serious errors. You can support your children better when you feel calmer about the whole process.
Visit Your New Home Before Moving Day
If possible, take your children to visit their new home before the final moving day. Of course, this will depend on location and permission from the current owners. If you can take them to a viewing or even just a walk around the new neighborhood, this can help them start to imagine their new life more tangibly.
Set Up Your Child’s Room First
Once you’ve moved in, setting up your children’s bedrooms first will help them acclimatize to the new environment quicker. Unpack their favorite toys and comfort items so they don’t feel that the space is completely unfamiliar. Spend time decorating their rooms and making them comfortable so it’s easier to settle in.
Be Patient With Behavior Changes
It’s normal for even the most well-behaved children to act out when life throws them a curveball. Have patience for this change in behavior, and let your children express themselves. Understand that moving to a new home is a different experience for children compared to adults since there is much less choice involved.
Moving home is a challenge no matter who you are or what your age might be. It is up to parents to ensure that moving home is as stress-free for their children as possible. Although this may seem impossible, you can make a positive difference by following the above tips.
