Moving isn’t easy for anyone, however, it can be extra stressful for children who have only lived in one place so far in their lives. Helping them transition is an important part of making them feel comfortable in their new environment. After all, they might not only just be changing houses, but they may also be leaving friends behind, and feel uncertain about what the future holds. Fear not parents. Here are some of the best tips to make moving to a new house easier for your child.
Talk About it
Inviting your child to communicate about their feelings can help them transition that much better. One of the most important things you can do is encourage them to open up. What are their biggest fears, and what are their biggest hopes?
Encourage them to express their emotions and answer any questions they have. The more you encourage open communication, the more likely they are to accept their new surroundings sooner.
Involve Them
Kids often feel powerless during transitions in their lives. After all, it’s their parents deciding something for them, and it’s not necessarily their choice to move. Involving them in the process helps them feel empowered and more in control. The more in control they can feel throughout the process, the more you reduce their fears and anxieties.
Encourage them to help participate in packing their stuff up and choosing decorations for their new room. They could even help you choose where to put the couch and television. The more involved they are, the more likely they are to get excited.
Maintain Normalcy
A sense of normalcy is critical when kids are going through a big change in life. Despite boxes being packed up and the change in the air, it’s important to stick to a routine as closely as possible.
From their nighttime routine to family traditions, keep all of your regular routines consistent. This will help them feel safe and remind them that not everything in their life is necessarily changing. Even in a new environment, they’ll still have the same habits and routines surrounded by love and support.
Be Patient
Remember, depending on the age of your child, they may have a few breakdowns and tantrums. Even if your child seems positive about the entire moving experience, don’t be surprised if one day they have a full-fledged breakdown out of nowhere!
Change can bring out all sorts of emotions in kids, so it’s important that you stay patient. Instead of getting angry or frustrated, reassure them that it’s normal to have these feelings. Chances are you’re probably feeling a little bit of anxiety too. The more you can assure them that they’re not alone in the way that they feel, the smoother the transition will go overall.
