Over the years, many studies have been conducted to define and rank which typical life
experiences cause the greatest amount of stress for the average adult. For anyone who
has had to make a move, it probably comes as no surprise that moving ranks within the
top 10 of the most stressful events… and once you add children to the equation, the
stress level only increases.
We have compiled the following tips to help parents prepare their young children for a
move, and to also help them adjust to their new home and community once the move
has taken place.
Also Read: Things You Need To Know To Pass Your Home Inspection
1. Tell your children about the upcoming move as soon as possible.
Waiting until the For Sale sign appears on your lawn, or having your kids find out about
the move from neighbors will only leave them feeling left out and most likely, angry.
2. Discuss with your children, in an age-appropriate manner, some of the pros and cons of moving.
Most children get great comfort from simply being heard, and by being assured that their parents are committed to helping them adjust to a new environment.
3. Encourage your children to help you investigate your new community.
Most cities or towns have their own website, which they use to advertise and promote life
in their community. In addition to finding information on the area’s lifestyle, you should
also find a list of the local amenities, such as schools, places of worship, recreation
centers, community sports associations, and parks. Most community sites will also include
locations of the nearest shopping malls, movie theatres, and special attractions such as
water parks, horse stables, and public beaches.
4. When packing, resist the urge to throw out all of your children’s old, unused toys.
Instead, ask your children to help you prepare for packing by separating their toys into
three piles. Pile 1 comes with them to the new house. Pile 2 is for donating to a local shelter or community center, and pile 3 is only for those toys that they understand are beyond repair, and for safety’s sake, should be thrown away. Allowing your child to decide what to do with his/her worn toys provides them a feeling of control in a situation that is largely, out of their control.
5. Pack any young children’s belongings last; allowing them prolonged access to their familiar possessions reduces their anxiety.
Ask your children to help you pack some of their belongings into boxes; and be sure to
explain that the boxes, and every item that goes into the box, is going to be unpacked
at the new house. Assemble some fun packing materials; a variety of brightly colored
(washable) markers for writing their name on each of their own boxes, bubble wrap
for swaddling their dolls and soft toys, and a selection of stickers to decorate, and easily
identify what is in each of their boxes.
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