Blog
Moving with kids
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Most children move house at least once during their childhood. It can be a positive move to a house with more space or it can be for negative reasons such as financial difficulty or divorce. Whatever the circumstances, change can deeply affect children emotionally. Moving house is not just stressful for parents, it can be disruptive for all concerned. So here are some ways to help children to deal with the anxiety and reassure them when moving. By preparing them, addressing their concerns (such as missing friends and settling into a new school) and helping them to see it as an adventure, you’ll have a smoother, easier move.
Children’s books are a great starting point to address their fears and provide the opportunity to discuss the moving process and how things work out in the end. They’ll help your child to understand that home is where your family is, and that it’s not all about bricks and mortar. Books such as Usborne’s – Moving House, Moving Molly by Shirley Hughes or Topsy and Tim Move House will all help.Take any concerns your children may have seriously and treat them with respect, even if you can’t promise them exactly what they want.
On a practical level, it’s important to take children to see the new house well in advance so they can see the positives before you move. Let them help to pack some of their treasures, remembering to keep special ones handy for the big day. Pack a bag that will stay with your child throughout the move with their teddy and some toys they can play with on the way.
Label the children’s packing boxes especially carefully. Inevitably there will be something that they need ‘right now’ and you’ll be the one trying to find it! Include a detailed list of what is in each box and which room it needs to go to when it’s unloaded.
Focus on the positives and the exciting opportunities a new home brings. Research play areas, playgroups etc before you move so you can get out and about and make new friends as soon as possible. Don’t let unpacking take over your life! You can make your new house feel like home quite quickly with familiar furnishings and by sticking to your normal bedtime routine. It’s hard to get much done with small children under foot so don’t be too hard on yourself. Unpack gradually; careful planning at the packing stage can help you achieve this with some “priority” boxes and some you can unpack at your leisure.
Given the option, time your move to make it easier. School holidays can be ideal, giving your children time to settle in before having to take on the challenge of a new school. On the other hand, the routine of going to school may help your child adjust especially if they haven’t had to change school. A move during term time also gives you the chance to pack and unpack unhindered.
If you’re moving further afield check our national connections or for more information about moving locally contact your local Frost office.
