Talking With Your Children About Moving
Children do not like changes to their routine. Moving is one of the biggest changes that any child will have to face and it can cause a lot of strife in a family. Small moves just across town are not generally a problem, as they will still be close enough to see their friends and other family members. The real trouble comes with moves that take the family across the state or across the country. Young children on through to teens do not like moving because of the disruption it causes in their lives.
Open and Honest
Do not hide the fact the family is moving from your children. Kids are smart enough to know something is happening no matter how clever you think you may be. They may resent it if you do not talk with them about moving. They are a part of the family and they need to feel that way.
The sooner you tell them, the better. It gives them time to grow accustomed to the idea of moving and to wrap their heads around it. They may be upset and act out when you first tell them. Crying and temper tantrums are common with younger children. Telling them as soon as the plan to move is solidified is the best idea though. Springing the move on them at the last minute is no fair.
Make the new place seem as fun and as exciting as possible. Talk up the new home and the new town as much as possible. Show the child some photos of the new place. If there are some fun attractions or landmarks in the area, visit the websites with your kids and show them how fun moving there will be.
Talk about the New Room
Talk to your child about his or her new room. Give the child a bit of freedom in decorating the room. Whether they want to have the room a different color than their current room, or they want to put up some posters of their favorite cartoon characters, let them. If you have photos of the room, show your child. When they see their new room and imagine how cool it will look with their special touch, it can take the sting out of moving.
Plenty of Time for Goodbyes
Kids fear moving because they fear losing their friends. If they are moving out of state, they are afraid they might never see their friends again. You and their friends’ parents can help to make the transition a bit easier. With today’s technology – from video phones to email – keeping in touch is easier than ever. Just because they aren’t in the same town does not mean they have to be out of one another’s lives. A few weeks before you move, consider holding a party for your child with all of his or her friends. At the party, make sure you provide the kids and their parents with your new address and other information that will make it easier for the kids to stay in contact.
