We recommend you include your kids in preparation for moving day. This way they will be involved in activities that help make the job easier for the whole family plus it will help them feel apart of the process.
Encourage your child to pack their own belongings in their room
Allow your child to color their own boxes so they are easily identified. This will create excitement when their belongings are unloaded as they will quickly recognize their things
If your child's room needs painting, let the child pick choose the paint for their new room
Set the emotional tone for your move by being upbeat
Treat moving day like it is a fact of life
Try to maintain a routine schedule up to the day of the move. Children appreciate a regular routine and it helps reduce stress and help eliminate uncertainty about a move
Younger children seldom understand the element of time. We recommend you use a chart/calendar to count down the days until moving day
Schedule events with friends to make sure your child has the opportunity to say their goodbyes. Keep these experiences upbeat
Emphasize the positive aspects of moving to a new home and make it into an adventure
If your child expresses moments of sadness about moving, reassure them that you understand and that it is all right to be sad
If your child does experience stress be aware they may regress which could manifest itself with bed-wetting or other infantile actions. Should this occur, reassure your child; with time and nurturing, most children adjust smoothly to the transition to a new home.
If your child previously participated with other kids in MOPS programs, play groups, scouting, or other social gatherings at their former home, we recommend you locate similar groups in your new community, at your new school or house of worship.This will help create new soical connections and foster continuity in your child's life.
Are You Ready to begin your home search? Start searching together with your kids now!
