With the summer months behind us, moving with kids during the school year can be a little trickier. However, regardless of the time of year, our kids are not immune to the stressors of moving into a new home, neighbourhood and school. Here are a few suggestions for making your move go a little more smoothly.
- First and foremost, be open and honest with age appropriate information regarding your move - as early in the process as possible. Your children will need to have copious discussions about the changes that are about to happen. Take lots of time to talk about the upcoming changes and to listen to their concerns. Don't downplay the anxiety and loss that will come with these changes in their world.
- Let your kids have a say in how their new room will look. If it is age appropriate, have them help pick out paint colours or a new comforter for their bed. Being able to take some ownership will help your child feel a little more in control of the situation.
- Have your children pack a special box of their most favourite things that will travel with them at all times. Those familiar items will be readily available when you arrive at your new home.
- Have them visit their new neighbourhood and school before their first day. Meeting their teacher and knowing their way around will help ease their discomfort.
- Lori Collins Burgan, author of Moving with Kids suggests several ways to help bring closure for your child: Throw a goodbye party for your child and their friends, tour your old haunts, create a memory book with photos of your home and friends (along with contact information) as well as taking some time to simply say goodbye to their home by sharing what they remember and will miss about their old home. Read more of
- In the midst of all the upheaval, do your best to keep your child's routine as stable as possible. Keeping life as 'normal' as possible will help bring security to your child in the midst of the changes.
With a little extra effort to keep in mind the stressors on your child during your move, your transition will go much more smoothly.