MOVING AND RELOCATING: TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN ADJUST TO MOVE.

Moving is not easy for adults and so is for children. It might be more stressful for the young ones. Even if the move or relocation is for a positive reason, the transition to a new house, new place can be really difficult for your child. Experts say the earlier you tell your children they are moving the better. The decision to move is taken by the adults and the child might feel helpless in such a situation leading to more frustrations apart from the stress of moving. Children with their innocent minds might not understand why the move is needed. They need some time and special attention during the entire process of moving and relocating.

In this blog we provide you with tips that will help you to help your children cope with adjustment of moving and relocating.

·         INCLUDE THE CHILDREN IN THE PROCESS: A child usually develops a routine so when you are planning to move make sure that you involve them in the entire process of moving and relocating. Take your child with you for showings. Show them around the area and potential neighborhood. Share the information you get from your Real Estate Agent with your children. If possible take them to your new house before the moving day. Another great idea before moving is planning a day out to all the fun places in your new area. For example: Plan a day out with your family and visit the local popular restaurants, play grounds, cinema, tourist attractions etc. This will make your child familiar to the new location and create excitement in him for the new move.

·         HELP YOUR CHILD SAY GOODBYE: When you move, it might be a practical decision for you but for your child this may be the biggest decision of his/her life. The move not only forces your child leave behind his house, his neighborhood but also forces him to leave behind his school, and most importantly his friends.  This can be devastating for some of the children hence make sure you help them say Goodbye to their friends in a proper way. Some of the ways you can help them to say Goodbye properly are mentioned below:

*Host a Goodbye party for their friends and classmates.

*Encourage your child to stay in touch with his friends (email, phone)

*Plan a trip back to the town in summers or holidays so that your child can spend time with his friends and relive the moments all over again.

·         HELP YOUR CHILD WITH IN THE MOVE: On the day of the move you as a parent and adult would be extremely busy with the entire moving process. Packing, sorting out the boxes, communicating with the moving company etc. All this will lead you to having no time for your children. And in such a case it is extremely important to balance both the elements (your move and your kids). However to keep your children occupied and focused you can assign them small tasks. For example: The bigger kids can be in charge of toy boxes and see that no toy is left here and there.

·          HELP YOUR CHILD ADJUST ON ARRIVAL IN THE NEW HOUSE: Arrival into a new house can be very alarming for your child. Don’t be surprised if you see them behaving clingy. Give them time and space to accept the fact that this house is their new house. When unpacking the boxes, make sure you unpack their boxes before yours and sort out their room before yours. Try and maintain the same routine that you had in your old house in the new house as well; this will make your child feel at ease. Encourage them to participate in the activities of your new house, even if it is a small decision like choosing the “Welcome Rug”. This will bring them excitement and joy making it easier for them to like their new house. Another great way to help them would be ‘Socializing’. Make sure you take them out to meet new people, children. Send them to the birthday parties of his new classmates this will give them the opportunity to make new friends.

The process of moving and relocating has never been easy but as a parent you need to understand that the whole moving process is much more agitating for your child. The more understanding and patient you are towards your child the better the transition for them. 

Editor: Neha Charan