Moving home is a stressful enough endeavour, but doing this with children is far worse than usual. It’s not just you who feels the stress; it’s your little ones. Children will often feel impacted by the process, especially the younger ones. This is why you may need to do a few things as you go forward with your plans:
Talk Them Through It
Simply approaching the children and explaining that you’re moving home may be something smaller children may struggle with. You would do well to sit them down and talk about what’s happening and what will happen when the day comes. Getting them used to the idea will help you when the day arrives, alleviating any issues and anxiety they may feel about leaving their current home and friends and moving elsewhere.
Take Them to See Their New Home
Another way to bring them in tune with the reality of this change is to bring them to a second viewing or take them for a walk around the area where you plan on moving to. Get them comfortable with the place, introduce them to the neighbourhood and the property, and you will have an easier time getting them to change homes when the time comes.
Ask Them What’s on Their Mind
While the first point concerns speaking to them, you must also understand their worries and concerns. If they raise any issue with the move, you should consider that and try to answer their questions honestly. Children can be more insightful than you think and may even reach a conclusion you may not expect, so you should give them a chance to be heard and have that conversation.
Choosing Your Moving Day
Selecting the right time to move isn’t always easy, but the more you plan, the easier it will be for your child. Many parents opt for moving days right in the middle of summer since it should be easier to move during term time. This may occupy them and gives you more time to handle things. The important thing is to assess the situation and to incorporate the move into your child’s routines as closely as possible.
Turn it into a Game
One of the best things to consider when moving house with children is to turn your whole day into one big game. This will not only get them interested in what’s happening that day,m but it will also let them enjoy the moment. Moving home is huge, but you may be caught up in the stressful angle of things as an adult. Lighten up and try to relax.
Make a List of New Things in Your Future Location
If you’re moving to a new area with many things you don’t know and your children may be interested, you should consider exploring everything together. Get the children excited about the new place; there will be fewer grumpy looks when you move.
Get Them Involved
Another great way to make the process more bearable and fun for your kids is to get them involved in moving. This may be something fairly simple such as helping you pack some things like their toys or other possessions. They can feel included in the process, allowing you to talk to them about the new place without making things feel forced and strange.