3 Tips For Moving With Kids
Moving can cause a lot of stress on both parents and children. Don’t worry, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We spoke with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Rebecca Maxwell for tips on how to help your children during a move.
1. Involve your kids in the move.
Let them pack their things from their old room and help set up their new room by picking paint colors. The more control kids have, the better they’re able to say goodbye to their old home and start creating memories in their new home.
2. Talk about their feelings.
Ask your children how the move makes them feel. Make room for all emotions, including anger, and let them know that they may feel lots of different things and that’s okay. Help them process and talk about emotions. When they say them out loud, they don’t feel quite so big.
3. Take care of yourself.
And make sure you take care of yourself. Take time to process your own emotions with someone you trust. Your kids will absorb your emotions, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself and processing everything that you might be feeling about the move.
At Hover Girl properties, our real estate agents are experts in helping military families move to or out of Jacksonville, FL. With a staff of mostly retired military and military spouses, we understand what you’re going through and we know how to help.
Best ways to involve kids in your move
Involving kids in the moving process can help them feel more included, ease their anxiety about the transition, and make the experience more positive overall. Here are some tips for involving kids in your move:
Communication: Start by having age-appropriate conversations with your kids about the move. Explain why you’re moving, where you’re moving to, and what to expect during the process. Encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings about the move.
Give Them Choices: Whenever possible, involve kids in decision-making about the move. Let them choose their new bedroom decor, paint colors, or furniture arrangements. Giving them a sense of control can help them feel more invested in the move.
Packing: Allow kids to help pack their belongings, such as toys, books, and clothes. Give them their own moving boxes or suitcases to pack and decorate. This can make them feel responsible and excited about the move.
Explore the New Area: If possible, take kids on a tour of the new neighborhood or city before the move. Explore parks, playgrounds, schools, and other attractions together. This can help them feel more familiar and comfortable with their new surroundings.
Say Goodbye: Encourage kids to say goodbye to friends, teachers, and neighbors before the move. Host a farewell party or playdate to give them a chance to say goodbye and make memories with their friends.
Create a Memory Book: Help kids document their experiences and memories of their current home and neighborhood. Create a scrapbook or memory book together with photos, drawings, and written memories. This can help them process their feelings about the move and preserve special memories.
Plan Fun Activities: Organize fun activities or outings during the moving process to keep kids engaged and entertained. Take breaks from packing to go for a bike ride, visit a local attraction, or have a family movie night.
Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude about the move and focus on the exciting opportunities and adventures that lie ahead. Be patient and supportive of your kids’ emotions, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about moving to a new place.
Unpack Together: Once you’ve arrived at your new home, involve kids in the unpacking process. Let them help unpack their belongings and set up their new rooms. This can help them feel a sense of ownership and belonging in their new home.
Establish Routines: Help kids adjust to their new environment by establishing familiar routines and traditions. Stick to familiar mealtimes, bedtime routines, and family rituals to provide a sense of stability and continuity during the transition.
By involving kids in the moving process and providing opportunities for them to participate, express themselves, and adjust to their new surroundings, you can help make the move a positive and memorable experience for the whole family.