Residential moving with children always requires extra care and planning. This is because the whole process is very stressful and tiring for the little ones. So check out some essential tips to make a residential move with children without great suffering.
0-3 years old. – What to Prepare: While younger children can more easily readjust to their new location, they may also have a harder time during the move itself. They can get confused when they don’t have their toys and can be irritable without a regular schedule.
How to make it easy: Keep some favorite toys within reach and pack them last. On moving day, keep your schedule as consistent as possible, perhaps having a family member or babysitter close by to make sure they get a nap.
Preschool age and early childhood education. – What to Prepare: Young children may feel confused and frustrated, but also curious about their new location and excited to move into a new home.
How to make it easy: Spend a lot of time talking about interesting things to do in your new neighborhood. Take the time to answer all questions, big and small, as they arise.
Elementary and high school. – What to prepare: Prepare yourself for great and strong emotions about having to leave friendships behind, as well as great anxiety about starting in a new school.
How to make it easy: Help them adjust by introducing them to the kids and teens in their new neighborhood and signing them up for activities right away. Involve older children in the change, help them to feel that they are part of this new time.
Always talk to your children, Even if you have some fears, let it seems that everything is fine. After all, children feel and absorb their parents’ emotional state and this can affect them in some way.
Some strategies that can be used in this conversation are:
1 – Answer all the questions that the child asks you, so that he or she feels safe and confident;
2 – Focus on the advantages of moving, such as making new friends and having new playground.
3 – Point out that she/he will continue to meet her/his old friends whenever is possible;
If the child is under 3 years old, use playfulness to talk about the change. Count on toys and drawings, for example, a story of families who change houses.
