It’s not easy for adults to move. But if there are children involved, then that’s a whole other level of ‘difficult’.
Children enjoy routine, and moving is changing almost everything about them. Not in the house, but lots of new things they must deal with out there.
If you look at all the things that are going to be different for them, from friends left behind to a new school, it’s a huge task, and it can get to them. But you can have your children accept all those changes with no stress and be happy and excited about the future in a new home.
In this article, we’re going to cover seven tips that you can use when you’re moving/relocating with children to make the whole ordeal as painless (and smooth) as possible.
Let’s go!
Speak with kids about the move
If the kids know what is going on, it is going to be easier for them to cope with change.
You should tell them about a move when you are sure about it. That is going to give more time to children to absorb the information. Say to them that it is ok to ask you about the move. Tell them why you are moving. New job opportunity, to be near cousins, or for a better lifestyle…
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The point is to tell them the real reason. If you want to build trust with your kids, then you’ll have to be honest. Sure, (sometimes) you’ll pack it in a bit for them to digest it easier, but still – honest.
Let them be a part of the process
Kids can help you with moving. Not because you really need their help, but to be involved.
They can do some small tasks. Little ones can’t pack dishes or something similar, but they can pack their favorite toys in a box. Older kids can pack their clothes and shoes.
They need to know that they are not just watching the change, but they also participate.
Keep routines
Kids need routine, but how to keep it in all of that chaos? You should keep some activities that are important. Meal times, bedtimes, and school routines should stay the same.
That way, they’ll know that you are changing a house, not everything you do.
Make school transitions easier
For your child, moving schools is one of the hardest things to do. Being new in school definitely takes its toll, leading to stress and instability.
Luckily, you as a mom, can make that transition easier for them by doing these things:
- Research schools and talk about them with your children.
- Take them to see the new school before the first day.
- Connect with teachers early to speak about any concerns and/or red flags.
If they’re familiar with a new school, it’ll help your kids not feel too overwhelmed.
And that’s a huge deal!
Utilize local context to discuss moving difficulties
If you need to relocate fast, that’s an issue of its own.
If you’re from, let’s say Texas, and need to sell your house fast in Mesquite, you’ll need to be focused on the buyers, you need to renovate the place, clean it and make it look presentable, place the house on the market, wait until the sale is finalized, pay all the fees, pay the agent/agency, and then, and only then, you’ll finally know how how much money you have available to invest into your new home.
Or if you’re in a REAL hurry, then you can contact one of those businesses that buy houses in as-is condition right there on the spot. For cash. That’s SO much more convenient if money is tight, plus there’s no hassle.
It’s a similar situation in Ohio, where families usually need to balance quick sales with preparing kids for a big change. If you have this or a similar challenge, you need to explain that to your children in a way they can understand.
Whether you’re in Texas or Ohio (or elsewhere across the U.S.), sharing your feelings with your children and walking them through the whole process step by step makes the process more acceptable and digestible.
Balance moving activities with family time
Packing, cleaning, and paperwork can occupy every hour without effort.
Still, it’s worth creating space for family activities during the move. A Friday pizza night, weekend hike, or whatever you love to do with them is going to make kids feel grounded.
Here are a few ideas you can do with your kids:
- Movie night! (plus snacks)
- Picnic
- Baking cake/cookies together (or pizza; pizza is always nice)
- Crafting , gluing, painting something decorative
They are all low-cost and even some of them are zero cost, but they’re all so meaningful and they have a positive impact on your children – and that’s priceless.
7. Create excitement for the new house
Kids need to think about the good things about the move.
If they think only about what they are leaving, that is going to be a heavy experience. You need to help them focus on everything positive about the move. Let them choose items for their new bedroom, paint colors, and take them shopping.
They can choose a new decoration for the room. Help children to imagine the good things about the relocation and to feel it more like an adventure.
Conclusion
If someone tells you that moving with kids is easy, they’re (probably) lying. You can’t make it all easy, but you can make it less stressful for them.
If you prepare them in time and always have in mind that this is a big change for them, you’ll make it as easy as it can be for them.
