How to Help Your Kids Transition Easier Into Your New Home

Moving to a new  home can bring an onslaught of a emotions both positive and negative. While parents are focusing more on the logistics of moving, we can sometimes forget the subtle apprehensions that children can face during the move.

It’s not uncommon to be moved into a new home and have a young child ask to go home and break down into tears. Older kids might react with regression, anger and frustration. It’s important to create a plan of emotional transition while making plans to make the actual move.

Here are few tips for preparing your kids for a move:

If possible take a few trips out to the area you will be moving to. Visit parks, shops and attractions with your kids to show them some of the new places they will be visiting

Make a scrapbook of their friends and favorite places.

Let the kids take the photos and decide which pictures go into the scrapbooks. Help them collect autographs, messages and notes from their friends to put into the scrap book

Communicate With Your Kids

Begin the moving conversation at least a month in advance to get the children used to the idea of moving. Allow them to ask questions and express their feelings about it. Be as open as you can about the reasons you will be moving, your own apprehensions and hopes about your new home.

Maintain Routines

While children will be facing many changes try to maintain your older routines. By keeping special things like movie nights or game nights it will help the kids to feel comfortable and at home quicker. Also let younger kids know that although we will be moving they will still have their favorite stuffed animal or blankets.

Moving Day

Allow the kids to help pack boxes and label them as you get ready for the move day so that they can see the process of their things being packed away.

Make sure everyone has a good night’s sleep the night before the big move.  Although stress is inevitable emotions will easier to handle with a good night of sleep.

Plan a break during moving day. Moving day can be hectic and fast-paced. Plan on taking a break, even if for a short while to spend time with your kids and check in with them. Even adults need time to process or take stock when things are moving really fast in a day with major changes happening.

Congratulations You Made It In Your New Home

The first night in a new home can be scary. Make sure the kids have their favorite items out to sleep with. Make their beds with their old comfy sheets and take time to let them wind down with you after a long day.

Allow kids time to  adjust in their new life. They might have bouts of emotional outbursts, regression or frustrations. Have some patience during this time by staying calm and positive because kids take cues from their parents. Balance patience with boundaries so that children can be redirected to things they enjoy when things get out of hand. It can take up to 6 months for children to adjust after moving.

Younger kids make friends because those are the kids in their classes or activities. Older kids make friends because of similar interests and personality. Facilitate relations by going to acitvities and events your kdis would enjoy and possibly build some new friendships. This is great for parents to. A positive network is beneficial for all.

Moving to a new home is a great way for families to get closer to one another. Continue to put yourself in the shoes of your children (you know them best) to stay aware of needs that arise. Lastly have fun and work on creating special memories in your new home!

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