Helping Kids through a Move
Moving can be especially challenging for your children. Kids are creatures of habit and crave routine by nature so making this time as easy as possible for them is very important. Here are some tips to help them deal with some of the things they will be facing such as new friends, a new neighborhood, and going to a new school.
Before the Move: Research, Research, Research!
- Incorporate your child in the home search process so they feel involved in the decision making. This will help them take ownership of the move with you. They will feel as if they are deciding to move as well instead of something that is just happening that they have no control of.
- Arrange to visit the new school so your child can tour the grounds to familiarize themselves. They will be able to know where they are going and to check out the “atmosphere” of their new school.
- Let your child have a proper good-bye by having a going-away party for them. Be sure old friends get your new address and phone number so they can contact your child and make sure they have their contact info as well.
- Be sure your child gets to travel with a few of their favorite belongings as a comforting device.
Once You Have Arrived:
- Be sure to work on setting up your child’s room first. Let them help you unpack and decorate. Once situated it will be easier to unpack for the rest of the house.
- Find some extra-curricular activities that your child would enjoy and enroll them. They will begin to meet new kids and form friendships.
- Visit and tour other child friendly places in town such as parks and recreation centers, libraries, and of course, places like your local YMCA or YWCA.
These are all great ways to help your child take ownership of the move while letting them treat it as an adventure as well. Just remember to stay positive and keep giving encouragement to them and reassure them that you will always be there to help them face any new challenges.
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