Tips To Help Children Cope With Moving

Jul 28, 2023 Moving to a new home is a complex process which is daunting for adults but overwhelming and scary for children. Kids view the world differently and form stronger connections with people and their environments. Leaving behind a comfortable home, familiar surroundings and beloved people is extremely challenging for them. A house move can have a deep impact on children and if you don’t handle their emotions well, the impact can be predominantly negative. The onus is on you as a parent to make the house move fun, exciting and positive for your kids. Thus, here is a complete guide outlining tips to help children cope with moving. Use these tips to make the transition smooth for your kids and ensure they have a good time.

Inform Kids About The Move

During a house move the fear of the unknown can gnaw at your kid’s peace of mind subconsciously. Therefore, maintain clarity and open communication by informing about your decision to relocate. Simplify the explanation according to your kid’s age to ensure they can understand why your family is moving. Answer their questions patiently and if they exhibit negative behaviours, wait for the news to sink and talk to them when they are more receptive.

Don’t Keep Kids Sitting or Restrained

Understandably, you have a lot to manage and need your kids safe while you pack and move things in the house. However, avoid restraining them or making children under five years old sit in a stroller, car seat or high chair for more than an hour. Children feel agitated, irritated and unstimulated, making them associate house moving with helplessness, discomfort and boredom. Therefore, find age-appropriate activities for your children to do while you complete moving-related tasks. Aim to make moving fun and exciting for kids rather than dull and frustrating.

Don’t Deviate From Their Usual Routine

Kids are creatures of habit and when their regular routine is disrupted it leads to internalised behaviours and negative outbursts. During a house move, you can lose track of time and even meals. However, make an effort to follow your kids’ daily routine activities and complete them in time to avoid discomfort.

Let Them Decorate Packing Boxes

Need your kid settled and excited to move while you pack? Ask them to paint, colour and decorate the packing boxes. Children have an innate urge to do what adults do, which is why they often want to pack with you or your hired removalists in Sunshine Coast. Therefore, instead of restraining them or letting them see things from afar, hand them brushes, colours, glue, glitter and other art/craft items to show their creativity. Just make sure your kids are safe while decorating and they customise boxes that you don’t need immediately to keep things. Also, ensure your hired removalists in Sunshine Coast handle the decorated boxes carefully.

Listen to Your Children

Keep your eyes and ears open for verbal and non-verbal communication from your children. Some kids are vocal about their feelings during a house move, while others are not. Since most parents know whether their kids are introverts or extroverts, it is easier to know how they react when upset, angry, anxious etc. When moving with children, talk to them to discuss their issues and soothe their fears because house moves are especially challenging for children. If your child exhibits internalising behaviours and you cannot get through to them, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a therapist or counsellor.

Help Children Declutter & Pack Their Things

One of the hardest things for children is leaving their things and packing for a house move. However, you must guide and help them prepare for moving by lightening the packing and moving load for your hired expert removalists in Sunshine Coast.

• Make separate piles for clothes, toys, games, reading/activity books, and other things.
• Next, ask your kids what things they want to keep.
• Also, ask them what things they want to give away and if they are in good condition, keep them aside for donating.
• Get rid of broken, old and unwanted items.

After decluttering, involve your children in packing if they are old enough to put inside boxes, cut tape, fold clothes, wipe toys, etc. To make packing fun, use the boxes your kids decorated to keep their belongings and identify them quickly.

Encourage Connections at the New Place

Enrol your children in music lessons, sports training, dance classes, scouts groups and other things to help them connect with new people and have a smooth move. You don’t need to wait until moving to familiarise them and yourself with the new place.

• If you like reading, visit the local library with your children and get a card.
• Join local community groups on social media platforms to learn about adult and children’s events & meets.
• Explore places of interest like shopping centres, museums, restaurants, playgrounds, parks, etc.
• Make sure to take photos and videos while doing a fun activity with your children to make memories.

Wrapping Up

Moving with children is challenging because they cannot deal with their emotions like adults can. Additionally, children find it harder to let go of familiar and comfortable surroundings. Therefore, use the tips above to help your children cope with moving and make the process fun and exciting for them.