A household move can be a stressful experience, even under ideal conditions. However, if you have children, the situation may be more than a little overwhelming for them. Depending on the circumstances, kids may be leaving friends, schools, or the only house they’ve ever known. In these situations, it’s crucial to help your little ones adjust as much as it is for yourself.
But, how can you do that? Let’s break down some top tips.
Start With Yourself
If you’re stressed out about your residential move, you might be taking it out on your kids without realizing it. Although your children are your priority, you have to take time for yourself. If you’re overwhelmed, you can’t help your little ones very much.
The other primary benefit of managing your own stress first is that it allows you to teach the same habits to your kids. That said, it’s best to keep an open mind. What works for you might not work for them, so you have to help them find their own coping methods.
Talk Things Out With Your Child
Depending on your kid’s age, it can be tricky to have a meaningful conversation about transitioning to a new place. So here are some guidelines on how to talk to children about heavy subjects, moving or otherwise.
- Honor Their Feelings – In many cases, adults and parents tend to dismiss a child’s feelings, particularly when they’re strongest (e.g., a temper tantrum). However, this tactic can make kids feel left out or isolated. Instead, when talking with them, ask how they feel and why. Allowing them to express themselves fully can make it easier for them to adjust.
- Start With What They Know – Children have limited life experiences, so it’s hard to grasp some concepts. For example, if your little ones have never moved before, they may not understand what it means. So, you might have to break down the idea into smaller, more digestible pieces. From there, you can add more complicated elements.
- Answer Questions Honestly – While you may not be able to provide all the answers, it’s essential for your child to ask questions. Kids are naturally curious, and asking is how they learn new things.
Help Your Kids Focus on the Positive Elements
Children (and adults) tend to focus on negative components, especially when they don’t want to do something. So if your child is resisting the move, help them reframe the experience as something more positive and uplifting.
For example, if your kid plays sports, talk to them about joining a new team and making new friends. If they like nature, find some parks or nature-focused organizations that they can visit. Learning how to turn negatives into positives is crucial for both their development and yours.
Explore and Have Fun
One of the best ways to adjust to a new city is to find fun activities for the whole family. You can use social media or family-friendly websites to learn about what to expect in your new neighborhood. From there, plan some trips so that your children can start forming positive relationships with their surroundings. Plus, it’s always easy for kids to make new friends, and family-centric activities are sure to have plenty of potential candidates waiting.
Get Moving Help By Calling Us!
Helping your children adjust to a move is stressful enough – let us alleviate some of that stress by helping with your moving logistics. Contact us today to find out more.