Moving can be just as stressful for children as it is for adults. It’s hard for children to express how they’re feeling during this time of transition. Here are a few simple tips that can make the move easier on everybody.
- Tell your children about the move as soon as possible. Give your children plenty of time to adjust to the idea of moving. Explain why you’re moving and describe where you’re moving to. Show them on a map where you will be moving and places of interest around your new home.
- Be positive and encouraging about the move. Answer any questions about the move honestly and with an upbeat attitude. Highlight the benefits of the move in a way that makes sense to your children.
- Let your children know they can help with the move. Emphasize the move being a family event that everyone can participate in. This includes the planning, packing and perhaps choosing of the new home.
- Give your children an opportunity to say good-bye to their friends. Have a “goodbye party” where they can collect addresses, phone numbers and take lots of pictures.
- Visit the family’s favorite places before the move. Think of all the places you would like to visit as a family one last time before you move. If it’s a long list pick the top three.
- Make the road trip to your new home an adventure. Think of fun and exciting ways you can make the road trip memorable. This way everyone will enjoy the experience and be excited arriving at their new home.
Tips for Moving With Teens
Many of the same “moving with children” tips apply for moving with teens. Adolescence is a difficult enough time without dealing with the stress of a move. Here are some tips you can follow to help your teen accept the news.
- Tell your teen about the move as soon as possible. The sooner your teen knows about the move the more time they have to adjust and plan accordingly.
- Highlight the benefits of moving to a new community. Share the positive attributes about the new location. Maybe your teen will be getting their own bedroom or bathroom in the new home.
- Be honest about the move. Remember the importance of sharing and communicating during the move process. Being straightforward will go a long way in helping your teen feel comfortable about the move.
- Share the time table and details about the move. Explain how the move process is going to work. Assure your teen that his or her ideas are welcomed and appreciated.
- Celebrate once you’ve arrived at your new home. Thank your teen for helping make the move a success.
