The whole family feels the weight of moving to a new home, but for kids, that weight can feel much heavier. Between packing, saying goodbye to friends, leaving their safe space, and having to adjust to a new environment, emotions can be all over the place.
As a parent, you have the big responsibility of helping your children feel good about the change. Moving is an emotional journey, and understanding its emotional impact on your kids is the first step to getting them through it.
It’s all about making sure your children feel included, supported, and confident in their new surroundings.
Preparing Kids for the Move
The worst thing you can do is spring a move on your kids. Instead, prepare them well in advance for it. Let them know about the move as soon as possible so they have time to process the change. Explain why the move is happening in a way they can understand.
Also, moving with kids will be easier when they feel like their concerns are heard. Answer their questions and reassure them that what they’re feeling is completely normal.
Involving them in decisions also makes the transition smoother. Give your kids small choices, like picking out a new room color or choosing decorations to help them feel in control and involved. Let them help with packing their own belongings, too.
Furthermore, a visual countdown can help your kids understand when the move will happen and reduce anxiety about the unknown. Mark special milestones, like a farewell party or a last visit to a favorite park, to help them prepare emotionally.
Keeping daily routines, such as bedtime and mealtimes, as normal as possible is helpful as well. It provides a sense of stability during a time of change. Try to ensure their favorite activities, such as reading before bed, remain unchanged.
Highlight the fun parts of moving, such as exploring a new neighborhood, making new friends, or decorating their new room. Emphasize the good that comes with a new home, like a bigger yard or a nearby park.
Thoroughly prepare your kids for the move, and they’ll be more likely to feel good about it.
Managing Emotions During the Move
Kids can become extremely emotional about moving, and it’s crucial for you to recognize and address their feelings by:
- Recognizing signs of stress: Children express stress in different ways, such as clinginess, mood swings, trouble sleeping, or a change in appetite. When you see these signs, sit down with your child, reassure them, and do an activity together that relieves stress.
- Providing stability through routine: Kids need a sense of normalcy during a move to reassure them that many of their favorite things will stay the same. Keep familiar bedtime rituals, meal schedules, and weekend traditions.
- Encouraging open conversations: Encourage your kids to express their worries and feelings about the move and actively listen to them. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling.
- Validating their concerns: Don’t ever tell your kids they “shouldn’t feel that way.” Acknowledge their emotions instead with phrases like, “I understand that leaving your old home is hard,” or “It’s okay to miss your friends.”
The more you’re able to recognize and address their feelings, the easier the move will be for your kids.
Keeping Stress Low for Parents and Kids
Moving is a demanding process, and the stress will absolutely affect all of you. So, you’ve got to keep a list of stress-reducing activities handy.
For example, despite what most think, mindfulness activities are for kids, too. Pop on a yoga or meditation video and do it together. Listen to calming music to feel more at peace. Try deep breathing or even simple stretching to ease tension. Balance moving with enjoyable activities like a family movie night, playing games, or going for a walk.
Encouraging play and creativity is another great way to keep stress low. Let the kids draw, write, or play pretend about their new home to help them positively process emotions. Or turn packing into a fun game by setting timers and seeing who can finish first.
You should also schedule short breaks to relax and recharge. Step away from moving-related tasks, even for just 15 minutes, to help reset everyone’s mood.
Doing things to keep your stress levels low will help you as much as it will help your kids during the move.
Helping Kids Settle Into the New Home
It’s such a relief when you make it to your new home. But now it’s time to help the kids settle in. Here are a few tips for that:
- Unpack their favorite items first: Set up familiar toys, bedding, and decorations to make the new space feel more comforting.
- Explore the neighborhood together: Walk around the new area, visit parks, and check out nearby attractions to get familiar and find the fun spots.
- Help them socialize: Arrange playdates with neighbors, sign them up for activities, or find local groups to help them make new friends.
- Keep in touch with old friends: Encourage your kids to call, video chat, or write letters to their old friends to stay in contact.
It’ll take some time to feel all the way at home, but they’ll get there.
Conclusion
Everyone will feel just how big of an adjustment it is to move. But with patience, preparation, and open communication, it will all work out. The kids will have a much easier time when you involve them in the process, recognize their emotions, and maintain a sense of routine. Validate their feelings and provide positive reinforcement.
Moving is a challenge but it’s also an opportunity for fresh beginnings. Lead with love and reassurance, and your kids won’t just handle the move, they’ll embrace it.
