Moving is stressful for everyone but it can be particularly hard on kids. If they’ve lived in your current home their whole life, it can be jarring to realize they’ll never see that house or apartment again. They’ll have key memories that were formed here, so parents must be mindful that it’s normal for kids to be upset or even angry.
Instead of getting frustrated with your kids for “acting out” about moving home, here are a few tips you can follow to gain their buy-in.
Tell Your Kids About the Move Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to tell kids that you’re moving house. By giving them time to prepare, you’re helping them process the change and get used to the idea. Sit down as a family and talk about the move enthusiastically.
Take Your Kids to Visit the New Home
You’ll probably have seen your new home several times before you actually move. Make sure at least one or two of those visits include your kids. Let them roam and explore. You can even let them pick out where they want their bedrooms.
Understand That Negativity Will Change
As a child, all big changes feel like the end of the world. But if you approach the home move with positivity, your kids will eventually get on board with that vibe.
Key Takeaways:
- It is important to make a plan to talk to your kids about moving, as soon as you know that a move will be happening.
- When you tell your kids that they have to move, you need to expect that they aren’t going to be happy about it.
- One way to ease the transition for a move, is to take your kids there to see it beforehand, and not just rely on describing it.
“Moving is a big deal, even if you’re just moving across town. However, moving to a whole new city can be even more overwhelming for kids. It can be stressful to pack up everything they own and leave behind friends and all of their familiar comforts.”