Moving can be a stressful time, especially when you have so much to organise. After arranging movers, packing everything into boxes, and dealing with the logistics of moving to a new suburb, city, or even country, you can already feel overwhelmed – but don’t forget that the little ones are probably feeling it just as much as you are.
Relocating can be confusing and scary for kids, but there are things you can do to make the process easier on them. I’ve learned that you should see this as something beneficial that can help your children grow and develop – this can be an experience that will change them for the better!
Be open and honest with them
Tell them about their new home and your reasons for moving in language they’ll understand. Don’t try and teach your four year old about redundancy packages or your success on the share market; instead, say that you’ve found a lovely and new place to live. Assure them that although things will change, they’ll be for the better, with an emphasis on old things continuing as usual and all the new exciting things to look forward to.
Make friends with other families in the local area
Your little one will have friends by association, someone to spend quality kid time with. You remember how during your pregnancy, you began spending more time with mums and expecting mums? It’s the same here – your child will have things in common with the local children and make new friends because of it. These friends can show your kids all the local haunts and ensure your child feels supported – plus, they’ll have someone to sit with at lunch.
Try and stick to a routine
It’s important to try and stick to or create new routines that enable a smooth transition. Pulling a child out of school midway through a term may be unavoidable, but is not ideal. Remember the importance of consistency for kids, so it’s important to continue your child’s involvement in other activities, whether it be in school sports or taking a dance class.
Listen to your child
She or he may have some fears about moving to a new place. Listen to their qualms and reassure them that everything is going to be okay. Don’t tell them that their worries are unfounded; rather, tell them about all the exciting new adventures they’ll be having in a new suburb. Explore the area with your child to help put them at ease in this new environment.
Having a new neighbourhood in which to play is one of the most exciting parts of moving home. Check out the swing-set you found around the corner and share with your child all the possibilities of the new place – so much fun!
Lena Perry is a freelance writer who had a difficult move with her bubs – but they’re far better now because of it! Guest post brought to you by Karimums.
Yes, any kind of change, particularly the moving house kind can be stressful on a little one. I like the point about listening to your child and hearing about their worries. Sometimes we tend to forget that they’re concerns are legitimate too.
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I stopped counting after 13 moves growing up. It was ridiculous. But it was also just how our life ‘was’. We all adapted and made new friends growing up, because we had no other choice. I would have loved for my parents to have had some of this advice
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Wow, 13 moves?! We’re getting there I think!
Hey, you were at Unplugged right? I was too busy working to say hi to people!
Great tips!
We have recently moved interstate and I didn’t realise the affect it had on my kids until a few months after we had moved. I was so wrapped up in packing the house and unpacking the house that I didn’t listen to my son’s signs of distress. We often talk about our old house and write letters to our friends that we left behind. I found throwing ourselves into the community really helped.
I’m lucky my little one got excited with our house move and welcomed the new place really well. But interstate would be quite different I think esp since all her friends are here.
Awesome tips. I went from boarding school and kind of moving every single school term, to moving to my parents’ city townhouse. Just for a few years. Umm…17 years later and I still haven’t left. In fact, my parents have moved in with my brother next door (when they come to the city to visit), since I had enough children to crowd them out of their own place.
Nevertheless, I have vowed to one day have my own place, and I will return to your post for top tips on moving “The Feral Threesome” when the time comes. Hopefully before it is actually them moving #1Hubby and I into a retirement home. Fingers crossed, one Powerball, all of that stuff.
Oh the dream of owning your own home, almost giving up on that. But you never know hey? It seems to be getting harder and harder in Oz though.