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Moving…With Children
Considering a move? Whether it’s across town or across the country,
moving can be challenging and exciting – but when you add children to
the mix, you’re creating a new dimension to the equation.
Children have the same trepidations as adults. They’re leaving the
familiar and moving to the unknown, and leaving behind their friends.
Since they're still developing social skills, they need you to help
them adjust to their new home. With preparation, you can ensure they
adjust to the move before it happens, during the process, and while
settling in.
Preparing for the move…
First of all, tell your kids about the move immediately.
Children need time to get used to the idea of moving. And remain
positive. Your attitude will influence how they feel about the move.
Your child may feel anger, sadness, resentment, or worry, which is
natural. Share your feelings to reassure them that what they’re
feeling is normal.
Be
open and answer questions honestly. If you don’t know the answers,
at least you’ll learn about their concerns. Research your new
community together online or at the library to help dispel any doubts
they may be having.
·
Help older children complete an address book, including phone numbers
of friends.
·
Ask
your kids what they’d like in a new home, and things they wouldn’t
like…let them be part of the decision making process.
·
Let
you children see the new home and community before moving, or show
them photographs including nearby parks and other area highlights.
·
Line up activities for your child to participate in after the move,
such as sports teams, clubs, music lessons, etc. to meet new friends
and continue what they are currently enjoying.
·
Organize a special party to celebrate friendships before you leave.
Take lots of photos so they can create a keepsake scrapbook.
During the move…
You
may feel stressed with everything going on, but it is imperative that
you remain upbeat and calm…your feelings will be reflected in your
children, especially babies.
·
Involve your children in the packing. Let them pack their own things
and decorate the boxes so they know what’s inside.
·
Stick to normal routines for meals, naps, and bedtimes.
·
Don’t pack their special blankets or books – keep them with you in a
special bag so you can find them quickly.
·
Expect the unexpected. Few moves go smoothly – anticipate that
things will go wrong but keep a positive attitude.
Settling in…
It’s tempting to spend all day and night unpacking, but take time out
to enjoy your new home with your family. Unpack the essentials but
wait on the less important stuff.
·
Take walks with your children to discover the neighbourhood.
·
Introduce yourselves to neighbours.
·
Play at the park.
·
Be
on the look-out for neighbourhood children and help introduce your
kids.
·
Let
your children help organize the new house, especially their rooms.
·
Try
to be at home after their first day at school – even if that means
leaving work early.
·
Regularly ask how they are doing – then really listen and observe
their responses.
Signs your child may need help…
If
your child displays any of these symptoms for more than two months
(four or five months for teenagers), ask your doctor or the school
guidance counselor for a referral.
·
unusual academic difficulty
·
ongoing irritability
·
trouble with peers
·
changes in sleep or eating habits
·
generally despondent mood
It
takes time to feel at “home.” With your help, your children will
understand that things will eventually be easier and familiar. After
all, home is wherever your family is.
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