Moving can be a stressful experience. Heading to a new job, home, and location is enough to drive even the most collected adult mad. With all the hectic tasks involved, we often forget the impact that a big move can have on our children. When we move, our children are moving as well. This can present many emotional issues for them that are important for us to acknowledge. There are ways that parents can help moving to be a positive experience for their children.
Talk to Them Openly and Acknowledge Their Feelings
Let your kids know that it is okay to have and express their feelings about the move. It is okay to be sad that they will miss their friends. It is okay to be angry that they will not be as close to their relatives. Avoid cliques; children are smarter than we often give them credit. Allow them to be open and honest; this acknowledgment of their feelings will build your relationship with them and allow for a more positive transition.
Let Them Help Decorate Their New Room
Another great idea is to build excitement about the big move. One way to do this is to allow your kids to help decorate their new bedroom. Let your child choose specific aspects in their new space to make it a place of their own. The décor, paint color, or theme of the room is fun and creative for kids of all ages to design—set limits on what you will allow beforehand to avoid further hurt feelings.
Host a Going-Away Party
Make the big move an exciting event by hosting a going-away party. Invite all their closest friends and family. Take photos, eat, dance, and play. Be sure to document their phone numbers and addresses during the celebration for later reference.
Visit Their New School with Them
One of the biggest fears for kids is the prospect of attending a new school. As adults, many of us have forgotten the emotional stress that this puts on a child. Fear of making new friends, meeting new teachers, and even navigating the building, can cause turmoil within a child. To ease this stress, visit your child’s new school with them before their first day of classes. Ask the office officials if you can walk around to help your child feel more familiar with the building. This is a wonderful way to put your child’s nerves at ease.
Write Letters to Friends and Family from Home
Moving can often leave children feeling sad for the family and friends they no longer get to see. Take the addresses you collected at the going-away party and write letters to these beloved friends and relatives. Let your child write, draw pictures, and send photos by mail. It’s fun for kids to anticipate the mailman’s delivery of their own personal mail.
Contact Expert Moving and Storage Today
For more information or help with your big move, contact our team of professional movers today. We can help your family’s moving experience be a fun and positive experience. Contact us today at (800) 803-2032 or fill out a contact form for a free quote. We look forward to hearing from you!
