By Carolina Pichardo
Moving is not easy. For kids, in particular, moving day is a traumatic experience that they equate to the end of the world as they know it. The process of having their belongings shipped from one place to another, along with having to make new friends, attend a new school, and live in a new home is a lot for any child to fully comprehend.
It doesn’t matter if you are moving internationallly, several miles away or moving down the street. For kids, these changes can be drastic and even frightening as their world (and routine) is shaken up. That's why it's important that parents help make the transition as simple and stress-free as possible. With a little planning, patience and some preparation, moving day will be child's play.
1. Tell Them Right Away. It is very important that kids are informed immediately of the moving plans. Present your plans in a direct and straightforward manner and be honest with your responses. Don’t leave room for too much confusion or concerns. Let them ask questions and respond enthusiastically about this new adventure for the family. You might even want to talk about local attractions such as beaches, museums, shopping centers, etc to spark their attention and help with the adjusting process.
2. Allow Them to Be Involved. Although it’s a little hard to believe, packing boxes and stowing away furniture will go a lot quicker with their little hands and help. If you’re concerned with how well they’ll manage and pack, then give them specific tasks and assignments. Separate their belongings, along with boxes, labels and a set of markers that they can decorate. Let them have a ball!
3. Time the Move. It is best to frame the move during the middle or beginning of the school-year, so as to give children enough time to meet people, form new friendships, learn about their new community, and not get bored. If the move is early into the summer vacation, for example, school will be out and kids will not be able to get a feel for their new environment. This is also the peak time for moving when moving companies are the busiest, not to mention when rates are also higher.
4. How to Say Goodbye. Whether they write notes and a letter, or have a party, allowing children to properly bid farewell can ease the pain of moving. Prepare a list of contacts for your child with their best friends’ information. Once settled, the children will still have a link to the life they’ve left behind. Also, take pictures of the people and places that kids will miss the most, which is especially helpful during those first few days in your new home. Favorite parks, shops and rooms inside the old house are good locations to start.
5. It All Takes Times. After moving, don’t be afraid to talk to your kids as much as possible to see how the transition is going. Have family meetings and discussions to monitor the adjustment process, and make tweaks and changes when needed. Also, remember to restore the old routines and schedules as quickly as possible. Sign up for the activities and events that are familiar to them, such as sports, museums, and local clubs. If things aren't going as you planned, be patient and understanding with your kids. Continue to provide support, and remember that children accept the change of sceneries at their own pace.
Depending on the age range and number of children, expect tantrums and behavioral changes before and long-after the move has been completed. Acknowledge these feelings, reassure them that their feelings are normal, and be proactive. Inform your child, plan and prepare them for the move, during and after.
Although it’s a little difficult at first, everything will return to how it was. Before you know it, your child will be back to normal, the boxes will be unpacked and home will be home again.