by Moving to a new home is a stressful experience in general, but moving with young kids can add a whole new layer of stress and anxiety to the process. While hiring companies like Safe Ship Moving Services can make the moving process smoother, parents also need to try their best to make their kids comfortable with the move. It is vital to see the transition from the perspective of a child, involve them in the process as much as possible, as well as take steps to minimize friction during the transition.
Safe Ship Moving Services discusses the approach to follow to make kids comfortable with a move
No matter whether one has got a job in a different city or are moving to a bigger home with the family, it is important to explain the reason for the move to the kids. Talking about the move can help address any frustrations, worries and anxiety they might be experiencing. If the child is a toddler, then parents must try to explain the situation to them in simple sentences and try to gauge their nonverbal reactions to understand their feelings. If one has teenage kids, then their feelings must also be addressed as well. In most cases, they need just as much time to adjust to the news as younger children.
Involving kids, both younger and older, into the moving process would be a good way to empower them at a time they may feel helpless. This would enable them to feel like an important part of the moving process. As the parents create their moving to-do list, they should try to create or identify projects that the kids can help with. Assisting in even the most minor tasks can make a big difference from their perspective. Tasks given to the children might include:
- Younger kids: Young kids may pack up boxes of items from their room, clean up various messes or get involved in light tasks like taping boxes.
- Older kids: Teenagers may act as an errand buddy for the parents, and do things like picking up boxes and making donation runs, help manage the to-do list and take care of a younger sibling.
The team members of Safe Ship Moving Services point out that while involving kids in the moving process is a good idea, there shall also be times when it is not practical or safe to involve kids in the task. On such days, one would have to find ways to keep the children occupied. Letting them enjoy more screen time would be a simple and effective way of holding their attention. Alternatively, one may also try to explore other options like clearing out or “child-proofing” one room and setting up games, toys and other activities there to keep the children engaged.
If possible, parents should try to take the kids to the neighbourhood of the new home, and take a walk around the locality. This would help them to gain a better idea of where they are actually going, and make the new destination a familiar scene rather than a big, scary question mark.
