It is your responsibility as a parent to find ways to help your kids adjust to a new city and feel less overwhelmed with the changes moving may cause.
Moving can be a challenging phase in life, especially for kids. They are forced to adjust to new schedules, trends, environments and perhaps culture.
Below are four ways to help your kids to adjust easily after moving.
Prepare Your Kids Psychologically in Advance
Sudden changes can affect anyone, let alone kids. It is important to make the transition smooth while allowing them to accept fate as it is.
Once you are sure about the move, talk to your children about the plans. Engage them on what they think about it and encourage them that it will be fine.
Allow them to say goodbye to all the people and places they loved before moving. Let them know change is inevitable before the actual moving date.
Take a Quick Tour to the New Place
Children need the assurance that the change is going to be as comfortable as you promise them. You may consider taking your kids on tour to the new place you plan on moving before the actual move.
Drive them around the new neighborhood, parks, buildings, malls, and school. It should help them have a feel of how their new life should be.
Keep an eye on the exciting spots kids love such as pet shops, gaming stores or pizza joints that will have them looking forward to moving.
Maintain Contact with the Old Neighborhood
Cutting people off suddenly can leave long-term wounds. Your child is no exception. If they want to maintain their old friendships, help them in doing so.
You can do this by keeping their contacts for regular phone calls after the move, throw a farewell party and take photos that will act as a reminder of their friendship.
Encourage them to exchange letters and updated photos after the move. Once in a while, you may consider inviting their old friends over for sleepovers and vacations.
Make the Move a Family Plan
The move won’t be easy on any of your family members. You will need each other’s comfort and companionship to get through the difficult phase and adjust to the new environment.
Include the kids in your plans and ask for their suggestions and opinions. Let your children know you are together as a family every step of the way.
Consider even taking the whole family with you as you search for homes for sale in the new city so everyone will know what to expect. This will also make your kids feel like they have a say in this big decision.
Your kids might even have a good insight you might not consider on your own while choosing the best home for each of your needs.
With your help as a parent, your children will adjust and settle gradually. To make the relocation easier, here are some more relocation tips to make the transition less stressful for them.
