How does moving affect kids?

Moving homes can be traumatic on children. It is the change, the unknowing that is the toughest on kids. If dealt with properly this can be made to be a fun new adventure for kids. Keep in mind that your kids will reflect to some extent your own feelings, if you are stressed/worried your kids will pick up on those feelings.

Outlined below are 22 tips on how you can make the move easier on your kids.

Before/During the move

1.    Let the kids know early
Once you have made the final decision, let you kids know. Be ready to answer their questions about where and when.

2.    Explain what they are to expect
be sure to tell them that all of their things will make it to the new home.

3.    Be optimistic/positive
Your kids do to some extent mimic your feelings. Be positive and your kids will pick up on the positive vibes.

4.    Be open and involve your kids in the process
Explaining why can go a long way to comforting a child and gaining their acceptance. Tie the reason why to a tangible end benefit for the kid i.e. larger room, pool…

5.    Listen
You must be prepared to support your child emotionally through this process. Be open with your feelings, remain positive but it is okay to demonstrate sadness if you explain why you are sad and how that will go away because of all of the great benefits of moving. Be aware that kids do not always know how to deal with their emotions, so they may express themselves through anger.

6.     You and your spouse must maintain the same position
Even if you and your spouse do not agree with the move, do not let your kids know. It is easier for the kids to accept the move if they think both parents welcome the change.

7.    Let you kids make some of the decisions
Part of their apprehension may come from the sense of loosing control over that which they know. You can help restore this feeling of control if they get to make some of the appropriate decisions.

8.    Make time for the kids
Be sure to make time for the kids during the days and weeks leading up to a move and afterwards. If you don’t your kids could start to resent the move and make things exponentially more difficult for you.

9.    Moving impact teens the most
Try and time a move around peak times for kids this is of particular importance when you are dealing with teens. Their friends and social life is what is most important to teens. Things will go much more smoothly if you try to accommodate them as best you can.

10.    Visit the house with the kids
A big part of the anxiety for the kids is the unknown, so try and remove as many of the unknowns as possible. This includes letting them see the new house before you move.

11.    Visit the school
The same goes for the school. Visit the school let your kids meet the principal and teachers.

12.    Look into extracurricular offered in the new neighbourhood
Try and line up at least one extracurricular activity for each kid in the new neighbourhood. This will give them something to look forward to and help integrate them into the new neighbourhood, and hopefully help them find new friends.

13.    Include the kids in redecorating their room
Let the kids make some of the decisions as to what new furniture to buy for their room and how it is arranged.

14.    Let your kids say goodbye
Set up a party so that your kids can say goodbye to their friends.

15.    Have them pack their favorite things
This way they will know for sure that their favorite toy or stuffed animal will arrive safely at the new house.

16.    Give them jobs on moving day
Give each child a specific responsibility on the day of the move. If you have pets, assign them the responsibility to look after them.

After the move

17.    Get the kids room set up first
This will help them feel more at home right off the bat.

18.    Go for a walk
Walk around the neighbourhood to help them get familiar with their new surroundings.

19.    Keep routines
Keep your same routines as best you can.

20.    Involve the kids
Make sure they get involved in school and extracurricular activities right away. This will help them make new friends.

21.    Listen
Listen to your kids, especially if they have concerns.

22.    Make sure they maintain contact with old friends
Put in the effort to allow them to stay in contact with old friends.

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