Moving to a new environment usually comes with a lot of excitement. However, the news could also impact mixed feelings on your kids. Small children are very sensitive and, the thought of having to start making new friends and, adjusting to their new school and home could cause a lot of distress. Therefore, you should always be cautious when planning to move and, try to also engage the kids in order to experience a stress free relocation as a family.
Tips can help you in ensuring your kids successfully cope with the stress of moving
Visit the new place with the family
As you plan to relocate, it is advisable to introduce the family, especially kids to the new home. This could help reduce the anxiety that children usually have whenever they get news of moving to a new environment. By being able to visit the place prior to the scheduled relocation, children can easily shed off most of their fears. During the visits, ensure they have an ample time to check around the neighborhood, facilities like, schools, parks and other interests. Your kids might just find something very interesting about the new environment, which could make them cope with the relocation much easier than expected.
Let kids take part in the planning and décor of the new place
For children to feel comfortable in their new house, it is important that they feel part of it. And, one of the ways you can achieve this is engaging them in the development of plans for how the rooms and other sections of the home will be set up. They should be able to have a say on the décor of part of the home. Ask them about how they would want the household items like, furniture to be arranged. This will keep them occupied and separated from the thoughts of leaving their friends and environment. Besides, it could also be a great opportunity to teach your kids a few things about planning.
Involve children in sorting and packing
Sorting of the items to the moved is always an important part of the packing process, whereby materials that will not be needed are separated and discarded. When doing this, it is advisable to also have your kids take part since it can help instill a sense of decision making. Give them a challenge to also choose some of the items that they think are taking up unnecessary space in the house. Whenever they pick something that is of value and should not be discarded, you can use the chance to teach them something about how to make better decisions.
Involving the kids in the packing procedures can also save you time and, some money on the side.
Allow children to pack their toys and a few personal items
After sorting, you can now embark on packing the items to be relocated. At this stage, it is always recommended that you allow the kids to pack their own toy bags and personal effects. As much as you may think you know your children, they usually have a better understanding of their needs when it comes to toys. For greater comfort, the kids’ toys and personal items should not be stuffed into the moving boxes with other items. Instead, you can let the children hand-carry or have them in the car when moving.
As you pack other household items, try to have the items for your children go in last for an easier time when unpacking. This will enable the kids to get whatever they need when you get to the new place without so much stress. In some way, that could help with keeping them calm and comfortable in the next few days that you will be settling into the new environment.
Hold a farewell party
It can be more fun for children to have the opportunity to personally say goodbye to their friends and mates in the neighborhood. And, a farewell party provides just the right platform for them to do it their way. When organizing the party, let them also invite their friends and, maybe decide on part of the menu for the party. This will enable the children to have fun and, smoothly drive their minds away from the distress of moving.
Be around your children as they settle in
Even after numerous prior visits to the new place, adjusting to the environment can be very challenging to kids. In the first few days and weeks, they will need someone to show them around and make them feel like they belong to their new environment. And, the best person to do that should be you. When setting up the rooms, it could be better to start with the kids’ rooms as discussed earlier. In case they need some changes, you should also help them through, telling them how great their new room and environment is.
In order to keep the kids in the right moods to adjust to the new home, try to maintain a daily routine. Take them to school, the nearby park and shopping as you have always done. You should also leave your phone lines open so they are able to reach you whenever they need. Besides, you can also plan some fun activities with them so they are not distracted to start thinking about their old school, friends and home.
Although you may be busy with work or other activities around the new place, try to get time to be with the kids to make them feel safe and comfortable. If the time for picking them up from school comes, try to do that so they do not feel neglected and scared. But, do not be too into them that they fail to get time to make new friends. Remember, there are some things that the kids would also want to learn on their own. Thus, give them the opportunity to also explore the new environment but, under your watch.
At Mover Singapore, we provide the ultimate moving solutions that you can always rely on when moving to a new house in Singapore or overseas.