Moving can be stressful to the whole family. Leaving the home they’ve known with all their belongings can be concerning to kids. By helping them understand what is happening and why, you might be able to alleviate some of their concerns. These are some tips for moving and how to help your child cope with moving.
1. Talk about It
To start, discussing the move is a vital step. Your child has likely already noticed that something is coming. You've probably been house hunting with them, or at least discussed moving to a new city. Try to explain as much as you can about why you are moving.
Ask a lot of questions about their concerns. What are they nervous about? Are they sad about leaving friends or trying to make new ones? Will they be able to learn their way around a new school? How can they find activities they love?
Kids will have a lot of questions so understand their concerns and answering in a positive way will help them to make sense of what is happening. What will happen to their extracurricular activities? Will they still have their favorite toys? Encourage them to be open and talk about their worries and then give them suggestions about the new area, school, and house.
Books are a great way to help school age kids understand what will happen and give them time to adjust. Consider a list of the following books to get you started! These books are mostly aimed at younger kids, but older children may also enjoy them.
- The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day
- My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A workbook for children moving to a new home
- Little Critter: We Are Moving
- Moving Day! (Helping Hands Series)
- A New House
- Moving House (Usborne First Experiences)
- Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move
- I Like Where I Am
- Tigger’s Moving Day (My Very First Winnie the Pooh, 10)
In addition to these, coloring books are also welcome additions for young children. If you need a suggestion, look at Max's Moving Adventure Coloring and Activities Book: A Coloring Book for Kids on the Move.
2. Let Them Be Involved In the Moving Process
Have them pack some of their personal items carefully and then decorate the box with stickers or markers. Make sure this box is visible to them during the move. Talk about belongings that you will be moving to the new house to help in easing the transition.
Learn together- If you are moving long distance, research the new area and fun things to do so that when you arrive you have a list. Check out the new school and parks nearby. Take a drive to find those places and help them get acquainted with the area. Focus on the positive aspects of moving so that they have some things to look forward to.
3. Set Up Their Room
After the moving company is done and the moving truck is gone, let them unpack their special box they packed and put things away where they want. They may need the new room to be very similar to the old one or it might be a fun time for a change.
A new bedspread or paint color may encourage them to make it their own and give them a boost of self-confidence.
4. Keep a Routine
When families move, it's important to keep a familiar sense of order and balance. Your family’s routine is key for kids to feel secure. So many new experiences at one time can be overwhelming and not kid friendly. Sticking to a predictable routine can help promote confidence and peace of mind for kids.
Starting over is never easy. Maybe a phone or video call to friends or family members to chat or looking at pictures of videos of loved ones can relieve stress.
Focus on things for them to look forward to and find the positives in the move. Relieving your kids stress will help you to feel less stressed!
Many teachers assume it will take kids about 6 weeks to settle in. Be patient with them and yourself as you work through the process, meet new friends and learn to love your new area. If you find that you are still struggling to help, consider looking into parent coaching professionals in the area that might be able to help.
We want to help to eliminate stressful moving as much as possible for your family. Whether moving locally or long distance using some of these tips may help make relocation easier.
