Sometimes we overlook the most obvious things and sometimes the not so obvious. It’s easy to get caught up with the big move there’s a lot going on. There’s also the children. This handy guide gives tips on getting the children involved with the move.
- Inform children early.
- Keep a positive attitude in their presence.
- Allow them to openly talk about the move and to have input in the decisions when appropriate.
- Remind children often that, although everything seems to be changing, the family is still very
secure as a unit. - Involve children in packing their personal belongings.
- Help them accumulate mementos of present home and friends.
- Consider moving during the school session to avoid summer anxiety related to the first day of school.
- Allow children to take favorite toys or possessions with them on the trip.
- Have games and snacks for the trip.
- Request special education or medical information early in the process.
- Get books about new location.
- Get books on moving for children.
- Get information for teenagers on areas of interest. Begin early by involving them in groups with common interests.
- Allow children to help with selections relating to their rooms in the new home.
- Take a camera or video on your home buying trip if children do not accompany you.
- Allow children to “tape” messages from friends they are leaving behind.
- Allow children to make occasional phone calls to friends they left behind.
- Locate school bus stops in new neighborhoods to avoid stress on the first day.