Moving house is a big experience not only for parents, but for children too. If you have older children, tell them as soon as possible when you know that the relocation is definite. Don’t be surprised by their reaction – teenagers, especially, can go through lots of emotions when it comes to a house removal. Just like adults, children need time to become accustomed to the thought too. After you inform them, give them some space and time.
Don’t rush them into packing and planning their future, as this will stress them out even more. They will need time to say goodbye and if they are eager to get involved in the process of packing and organization then it should be in their own terms.
Your responsibility as a parent is to make them see the good about this change. Tell them that they can still visit their old friends, but they will find new ones. Show them what the new place looks like and discuss the education opportunities. As long as you treat them like adults, your children will adapt easily to the situation. Let them help in the house – even the small children can gather their toys and give advice. As an adult, your task is to avoid getting moody, stressed or depressed about it, even if things don’t go perfectly well. Your children will feel worse if they see that even their parents don’t accept the change that easily. Encourage your children to talk about their feelings and fears. Explain the entire removal process and tell them where you’ll need their help. Even after the move there will be still lots of emotions and moods and it will take time until your children adjust to the change fully. If it’s possible visit your future home and take your children with you, even if they are really small.
Children are really imaginative and the minute they see the new place they will be able to imagine their future rooms and life and feel better. Show them the area and ask for their feedback. Once you have chosen the school, arrange the transfer and meet the teachers. If your children know their future teachers and how their school looks like it will be easier for them to get used to it and not feel like outcasts. Discuss any after school activities, courses and sports – anything that your children love back at home they should be able to continue doing and practicing. Visit the local cinema, shops and playgrounds, take them to a restaurant and let them feel the vibe of the new city. If the new home is too far from where you are currently living, show them photos and videos of the location – it’s still better than nothing. Don’t change your children’s daily routines just because the removal is approaching – as long as you have planned everything, there is no place for mistakes. Respect your children’s privacy, give them advice on safe packing, but let them pack their belongings and don’t pry. Let your children host a leaving party with their friends if they wish.
On the day of the move hire a babysitter for the small children and babies. Tell teenagers how they can help, but don’t let them help with heavy furniture or appliances. Keep the removal as calm a process as possible. Once you’ve moved, set the children’s rooms first – this will make them feel calm and safe. Let them unpack their boxes, arrange their things and books. Allow them to have a rest and don’t make them additionally stressed, even though settling down is a lengthy process.
