Moving with Kids

Moving is stressful on everyone in the family. As parents you’re trying to find the best home, select the best schools, possibly transition into a new job and generally reorganize your whole life. For kids, moving can be even more traumatic. Leaving all they have known in their life, friends, surroundings and all they find comfort in. In addition, it is easy for kids to feel left out. Here are some tips to help manage this change for your children.

Talk, Talk, Talk
• Break the news of the move gently. Be prepared for tears from young ones. Be understanding and avoiding justifying or debating the decision with your children. Give them time to cope with the decision.
• Talk to your children about what to expect the day of the move and once you arrive at your new home.

Involve Them in the Move
• Let them pack their items and watch them go into the moving truck. Let them unpack so they know the items important to them have not been left behind.
• Let them pick out their room and personalize it to make their own (paint, new furnishings, arrangement of furnishings). This will create excitement and give them ownership of their new surroundings. But remember to make their new room familiar. Hang up their pictures and personal items as soon as possible.
• Visit the new neighborhood with your children ahead of the move. Point out the benefits of your new surroundings (lots of kids, close to the playground).
• If possible, tour your new home with your children. This will make move in day a little less scary.

Keep Your Routine
A routine is very important to young children. Keep sleep and wake-up times consistent. Try to keep your schedule as similar as possible. Reinforce to your children that life is the same, just in a new place.
If your child seems to be taking longer to adjust, seek out professional help through your pediatrician.