Moving isn’t always easy, especially for kids. In fact, one study by The New York Times suggests that moving is one of the toughest things a kid can endure. The stress they experience during a move early on in life may even carry into their adult lives.
It’s a stressful, turbulent time in their lives, but you can make it easier on them. Here are 7 things to keep in mind to make your residential move easier for your kids.
1. Let Them Know What To Expect
Breaking the news to your kids isn’t going to be easy, but it needs to be done all the same. Hold a family meeting ahead of time and let them know the news.
They’re likely not going to react well, so be prepared to reassure them. Make sure to frame this as an exciting opportunity in a new location.
Kids love adventure, so framing the move as a brand new adventure can make a stressful time seem like a fun challenge.
2. Let Them Ask Questions
Now that they’re aware of the move, they’re likely going to have a few questions for the family. Be sure to let them know that you’re more than happy to answer any of their questions.
And not all of them will be easy. Some may be emotionally difficult, like “What will happen to my friends?” or “Will I ever see them again?”
Don’t forget how stressful a move is for a child. To them, it’s seen as a catastrophic event instead of the beginning of a new chapter. Answer questions honestly and openly.
3. Create A Moving Schedule
Of course, that isn’t to say that you’re not going through a lot of stress during your residential move, too. There’s a lot to prepare, so sit down with your kids and come up with a fun moving schedule together. This essentially eliminates two problems in one fell swoop. The kids get to feel like they’re a part of the process, and you’ll have a thorough schedule, which should ease your stress significantly.
4. Make Packing Fun
Sometimes kids have the right idea. They see everything as a challenge or a game.
So take a page out of their book and make a game of packing. See who can pack certain things faster (plates and silverware withstanding, obviously).
Not only will the kids get a kick out of it, but having a few extra sets of hands to pack can really make a difference.
5. Ask Them For Help
Moving can make a kid feel powerless and like they’re not in control of their life. You can combat those feelings by actively seeking their help. Give them a few small tasks to assist you with and watch their faces light up.
6. Search The New Area For Fun Things To Do
Every area has tons of fun things to discover. Do a bit of research ahead of time and find some fun activities for the kids in the new area.
Tell them ahead of time so they’ll have something to look forward to. All it takes to turn a negative experience into a positive one is a picnic at a new park or a visit to a museum.
7. Remind Them That The Family Is A Team
That sense of powerlessness that we mentioned earlier doesn’t necessarily go away. Especially the closer you get to the residential move.
Go out of your way to show them that the family is a team and that they’re a big part of that.
Need Help With Your Residential Move?
These tips should make a residential move easier than ever for you and your family. And speaking of making moving easy, why not enlist a bit of professional help?
Get in touch with Browning Moving & Storage today to see how we can take the pain out of moving for you and your family!