Moving Your
Family!
Moving with a family can be challenging.
There are a lot of changes going on for
you and your family. That's why it is critical
to spend some time helping your kids cope
with the changes going on around them. The
advice set out in this guide will help your
move go more smoothly.
When to Move School Age Kids
When your kids are school age, you might
be tempted to plan your move for the school
holidays. In reality, this can actually
make things harder for your kids. School
is most likely the first place your kids
can be assured of making friends. Thus,
moving during the school holidays places
your child in unfamiliar and new surroundings
at a time when their chances of making friends
are low.
- As school resumes, your child may feel
even more left out. As the first day return
to school is filled with the excitement
and hustle and bustle that occurs after
a holiday vacation, your child may feel
like a stranger.
- When you schedule your move during
the school year, it allows your kids to
go from one social setting to another.
- The teacher and the other kids will
be more willing to show your child some
extra special attention when they are
the only new person.
Does Age Make a Difference?
- Generally speaking, the younger the
child, the better they will cope with
the transition of moving to a new home.
- Very young children and infants may
be confused. It is a good idea to try
to explain to them what's happening and
make it like an adventure.
- The biggest worry that school age children
endure is whether they will make new friends
and fit in easily a their new school.
- Because teenagers' friends provide
them with a sense of identity, it is more
difficult for teens to feel comfortable
with the idea of moving to a new home.
Before the Move
- As you start making plans for your
move, remember to focus on what your kids
can look forward to.
- After all, if you see your move as
an exciting adventure, your kids will
also be very enthusiastic.
- Right from the start, you might want
to take them with you on house-hunting
adventures. In cases where it might not
be practical to have them tagging along,
don't forget to bring back pictures of
hot prospects you're considering
- After you've found the new home, be
sure to take pictures of local places
of interest.
Communication is the Key
- Don't forget to keep the channels of
communication open. Before and during
your move, encourage your kids to tell
you about their uncertainties.
- Most likely, you're probably feeling
a little nervous about moving too (no
matter how promising your new situation
is likely to be).
- After your move, spend time together
with your family. Listen to each other's
stories so that you can be sure how everyone
is coping with the change.
Getting the Kids Involved
It's only natural that your kids
will want to be involved with what's going
on. Some examples of ways to get your kids
involved are:
- Asking them to help plan for and organize
your garage sale. They could make colorful
posters to stick up around the neighborhood.
- Allowing them to choose a small number
of toys or other items to keep with them
on moving day.
- Empowering them by letting them pack
and label a few of their own boxes.
- Making sure they have a special job
to take care of on moving day. This will
help them feel as if they're making a
valuable contribution
- Allowing them to decide how their new
rooms should decorated and arranged.
What About Childcare?
- Undoubtedly you will be offered a lot
of conflicting advice whether you should
keep your kids with you on moving day
or arrange childcare.
- Keep in mind that you are the best
judge of what's right for your kids.
Saying Goodbye
- It is critical that your children have
the enough time to say good-bye to the
family members and friends they're leaving
behind.
- You should encourage them to exchange
contact information. Fortunately, for
most of us today, our friends are only
a few keystrokes away via e-mail.
Settling In
Understand that it is like that there may
be a grieving period for children…it
may last a few weeks, perhaps even a few
months. Here are a few easy things you can
do to make moving easier for your kids.
- Investigate and explore your new neighborhood
together. Look for new and exciting things.
- Go to your new child's school with
them beforehand…walk around the
new school together to help them find
their bearings.
- Accompany your kids on their route
to school until they are comfortable traveling
by themselves.
- Seek out after-school activities where
your children can make new friends with
similar interests.
- Don't forget to encourage them to keep
in touch with old friends.
Keeping an Eye Out for Early Warning
Signs
- A major change is always difficult
for a child. Even the most well adjusted
child can have difficulty coping with
moving.
- Be watchful, it's important to pick
up on early warning signs that your child
may need extra help adjusting.
Here are some things to watch
out for
- Withdrawn behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Problems sleeping, or regular nightmares
- Outbursts of anger or tears
- Reluctance to stray far from the house
or family
- Difficulty making new friends
Additional Hints for Moving Kids
- There are children's books that help
kids come to terms and understand an upcoming
move, and cope with some of the feelings
they may be experiencing.
- If you've got young children, it's
important to remove dangerous situations
and to child proof your home.
- The sooner you teach your kids your
new address and phone number, the better.
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