When you’re planning a move or just considering the possibility, everyone in the family can feel the strain. This is especially true with kids. Even children who are excited about the prospect of a new adventure can feel a lot of trepidation at the same time.
They’re leaving friends they know, schools they’re used to, and maybe a house they’ve grown up in. It can all feel pretty overwhelming no matter what their ages. But fortunately, you can do a few things to make the transition easier and maybe even a lot more exciting.
Allow your kids to dream up their new rooms
Let your kids get creative with visualizing their new space. Help them find photos of rooms they like to create a design board with. Take them to the paint store for swatches. Let them pick out new bedding and decor if you can afford it.
And let them decide how to arrange their furniture. Of course, you can guide them to reasonable choices, but as much as possible, allow them to take the reigns. Giving them this small amount of control over the situation may help relieve some of their anxiety and get them excited about the change.
Also, be sure you follow through with their plans when you move into your new home. If it is age-appropriate, you can even let them do most of the labor of painting and arranging their furniture.
Scope out your kids’ new school ahead of time
If you have a choice of schools where you’ll be moving, be sure to check them all out before making a decision. Whether you decide on a Catholic high school in Holmdel, NJ, or a public middle school in New York, you should have no trouble finding reviews and opinions online.
But don’t stop there. Make the trip to visit any schools you’re considering as soon as you decide to move. Consider such factors as your child’s learning needs and the school’s proximity to your new home. Take your children with you and take their opinions into consideration.
Ease them into their new room
Depending on your children’s ages, they may feel some anxiety about sleeping in a new house and a new room. Ease them into the transition as smoothly as you can. For one thing, leaving a night light in the room or adjoining hallway might make them feel more secure.
While night lights are not recommended for long-term sleep health, they can certainly help ease the fears of a child in a new place. It can also help them find their way to the bathroom in an unfamiliar environment.
Also, allow them to leave their door open and sleep with their favorite toys. And most of all, be patient with young children if they get up more than they should or can’t sleep well the first few nights. It may take them longer than you to adjust.
Your whole family will face a lot of changes when you decide to move. And it’s important to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Explore all your options, such as house and land packages for first-home buyers early on before your move, and allow everyone in the family to be a part of your decisions.
Allowing your kids the smallest amount of control, such as choosing a wall color, can make all the difference in the world in how they react to the changes. And most importantly, acknowledge their feelings. If they know they are heard and understood, it may help to resolve any anxiety or anger they’re experiencing.
