Moving is tough for everyone, even when it’s for the best possible reasons. It is much more upsetting for children since it is seldom their idea, and youngsters usually feel like they have no control over the situation.
The following is a list of suggestions that might aid parents and children in getting ready for an upcoming move. Even if you don’t put all of them into practise, having access to them will make your toolset more useful.
These tips and suggestions for making children and young people ready to relocate also apply to teenagers and grownups.
Make sure they are ready ahead of time.
You should break the news to the children as soon as it is acceptable to do so, preferably within the next several weeks. There are some people who are worried that this would result in them experiencing unneeded anguish. This danger is far less significant than the risk of a child feeling powerless and being left out of decision-making processes. Children may be helped to improve their ability to make tough choices and learn how to balance the pros and downsides of many options if the reasoning behind the decision and the process used to reach the decision are discussed with them.
Once you’ve made your decision, provide them with a printed schedule detailing the dates and times that the current home will be placed on the market, if this is the case. Discuss when you will pack, when you will go to the new place, and where you will remain during the transition. Also, discuss when you will go to the new location. Discussing the dates on which they want to open additional schools as well as anything else that comes to mind would be of great use.
nest. Children, particularly those who are bright, are better able to deal with the truth than with deceit, and they see selective information sharing as lying to them.
Howver, if there is a compelling reason for you not to share information at this time (such as the safety of your employment), you should explain why.
Offer them as many different choices as you can.
Because children feel powerless in this circumstance, it is important to provide them the opportunity to make numerous choices.
Is it up to them to decide which toys to put away and which ones to keep out?
Is it possible for them to choose the room that they sleep in? Could you please tell me what colour the paint is?
Is there a chance that they’ll be able to name the new house?
Are they able to take part in the interviews with the real estate agents?
Are they able to make a contribution to the list of “must-haves” for the new house?
You may teach your children the importance of making sacrifices by watching some programmes with them about finding a new home.
If money is tight, don’t try to hide it from others. It is pointless to act as if everything is well if your financial situation is in disarray.
The concept of “blooming where you are planted” is an excellent example to emulate.
Be a model for others to follow. Make it obvious how you plan to adapt to the new circumstance, but do it in a manner that is not preachy or condescending.
Inform them of the strategy you have in place for meeting new people. Discuss the steps you will take to join new groups and how you will go about doing so.
Talk to your family about the conflicting feelings you’re experiencing. Even if you’re doing well where you’re planted, it doesn’t indicate that there aren’t any weeds growing in the area.
Consult with experts.
It is not necessary to wait until you are in a dire situation before looking for assistance.
During the transition to your new home, it could be beneficial to see a therapist as a prophylactic measure. It may also make it simpler for children to be open to the idea of seeing a counsellor after the relocation if there are problems that need the assistance of a trained expert.
Make sure to include some unforgettable moments.
It is essential to provide assistance to youngsters so that they may build memories that they can take with them to their new residence. The use of moving pictures and still photographs may be helpful.
Make a list of the top 10 things that make your present area appealing to you as a place to live. Create a picture book documenting your most cherished places both inside and outside the home.
It is also a good idea to leave a DVD for the next family outlining all of the marvels and secrets that are located in your house and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Establish a rapport in advance of the event.
Instead of waiting until the move to start making connections, start now. Even if you aren’t familiar with the school just yet, it’s possible that there are other organisations, children’s museums, dancing classes, and other activities that are comparable to those that are available in your present area.
The use of social media platforms provides an excellent opportunity to network with other parents who have similar interests. If you are a member of a Facebook group, you should announce that you are moving to a new location and ask the other members if they know anybody who already lives there.
You may use the internet to find the best activities for children in the local area, and then you can let your children decide which ones they want to participate in. See which of the venues offer online excursions and sign up for one of them if you can.
Inspire them to jot down some thoughts in their diaries.
Children and teenagers may benefit much from keeping a journal to record and analyse their thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative. Do not read your children’s diaries out of respect for their right to privacy.
There is no need for anything lavish to take place. Get a spiral notebook or a blank book out of your bag, and start writing. Allow children to customize a cover image with a photograph or drawing of their house.