Moving – 4 Ways to Make the Transition Smoother for Kids

Whether you just got the job of a lifetime in another state or found a dream home you can’t live without, uprooting your children from the familiar can be extremely devastating for some kids. However, there are ways to help soften the blow and even convince kids that there are some benefits to moving. Just be sure to follow a few helpful guidelines that will assist you in making the process run a little bit better.

Don’t wait to tell them
One of the worst things you can do is hesitate when telling your kids that the family is moving. That’s because while there’s never an ideal time to discuss the subject, doing it sooner rather than later can give kids as much time as possible to absorb and adjust to the idea. All kids are different and depending on how old your child is, you could be in for a screaming match from your six year old or weeks of moping from your teenager. Regardless, break the news early.

Include them in the process
It can help kids feel good to know that they are being updated about the latest on the moving process as well as give the opportunity to assist in the details. You could give each child a job and set goals so that each can do their part. Whether it’s packing up boxes or sorting through items in order to donate or sell them, keep your kids active. If your kids are young they may be extremely excited about doing “big kid” things such as helping mommy move. On the other hand, an older child may be a bit less enthusiastic. Encouraging him or her to help can give them a dose of reality that this process is really going happen and they may as well get on board.

Be positive
While this sounds simple, for some parents, moving is just as difficult for them as it is for their kids. You may hate the idea of having to pack up your family and go to a new place, but if at all possible, it’s not good to let your kids in on the fact that you’re not happy. That’s because kids are really perceptive and if you have a negative attitude, your kids will definitely pick up on it. So to make things easier for them, be sure to keep your mood light and positive so hopefully your kids will do the same.

Play up the advantages
Even though the idea of starting fresh in a new location can be a bit scary, be sure to highlight all the great things moving to a new home can provide. Are there great schools, cool activities or amusement parks around? What about lakes, nature trails, or other recreational options? If so, make sure your kids find out about these things early in the process. While they won’t have their friends, you can at least play up all the fun things that can do right in their own neighborhood or around town.