Key Takeaways
- Moving can be emotionally challenging for children, triggering anxiety, sadness, or excitement depending on age and personality, so understanding their feelings is essential.
- Communicate openly about the move early, explain reasons clearly, and encourage kids to express their emotions to reduce fear and uncertainty.
- Involve children in the moving process to give them a sense of control and make the transition more positive.
- Help them adjust socially by preparing for a new school, encouraging new friendships, and maintaining connections with old friends.
- Maintain routines and family traditions to provide stability, helping children feel secure and adapt more comfortably to their new environment.
Many of us probably are used to change and moving from place to place. We usually move for a change of scenery, change of career, or for family reasons. Of course, wherever we go, our children have no choice but to go with us. We might think they’re young and they’ll get used to it.
However, we often underestimate the deep effect that moving has on our children. They might not show it on the surface, but underneath moving can profoundly effect them. Brisk Transport offers advice on how you can help your children deal with life-changing moves.
1) Use social media to remain in touch with old friends
When moving, the children will decrease their close contact with their closest friends. Although it is inevitable, help them to see that through social media they can still keep up with what their friends are doing and be able to Skype with them from time to time.
Assure the children that your family will still make time for the children to go back and visit their old friends or even invite their old friends to come for visits at your new home. Make it part of your family holidays.
Visit your and their old friends at the beginning of some of your holidays or at the tail end of your holidays before coming home. You can even invite your friends or their friends to come on holidays with you. This will ease the pain of separation from their friends.
2) Let your children vent
We don’t like to hear our kids whinge and complain. It can be very annoying but actually it might be good to let them vent. Listen to their concerns calmly and don’t react too quickly to their negative thoughts on moving. Hear them out and they’ll calm down hopefully and they’ll eventually get used to the idea that you’ll not change your mind and it’s going to happen regardless of their whingeing.
It’s a good idea to let them know as soon as possible when it’s actually confirmed in your mind that the move will happen. Hopefully that will give them enough time to get used to it.
Agree with them that it’s not going to be easy leaving friends and maybe some family members like cousins or aunts or grandparents behind. It’s important to be positive about the move and tell them great things that are awaiting them at your family’s destination.
3) Visit the new location before the move
Prepare them for the move by visiting the new place and new home your family will be going to. It helps familiarizing them with the area and the new house, apartment, or condo if you are able to do so.
They just might really love the new place. They can start to picture life in their new home and can start to think about how they’ll arrange their rooms and what activities they will be able to do. This will hopefully ease the pain of leaving behind their former home and life.
4) Get involved with the new community as soon as possible
Visit the school and have the children get familiar with the school halls and rooms if possible. Get to know their teachers and principal. Each community likely has a community league which you can sign up for in your area.
This gives you discounts on the community leisure centres and updates your family on community events which you can take part in. Get to know your neighbours. Make new friends in the area. Visit the parks as a family and have picnics there.
Before you know it, your children will begin to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
FAQs
How can you help children cope with moving house?
Helping children cope with a move starts with clear communication and reassurance. Explaining the process in a way they understand can reduce uncertainty. Involving them in packing or decision-making helps them feel included. Keeping routines as consistent as possible also provides stability during the transition. Offering support and listening to their concerns can make the experience less stressful and help them adjust more comfortably.
Why can moving be difficult for children?
Moving can be challenging for children because it involves leaving familiar environments, friends, and routines. This change can create uncertainty and emotional stress. They may feel a loss of stability or struggle to understand what is happening. Recognising these challenges allows you to provide the right support and help them adapt to the change more easily.
How can you prepare children before the move?
Preparation involves talking to children about the move in advance and explaining what to expect. Showing them the new home or area, if possible, can help make the change feel more real and less intimidating. Encouraging them to ask questions and express their feelings also helps them feel supported. Preparing early allows them time to adjust to the idea of moving.
What can you do to help children settle into a new home?
Helping children settle involves creating a sense of familiarity in the new environment. Setting up their room first and maintaining daily routines can provide comfort. Encouraging them to explore the new area and meet new people can also help them adjust. Providing reassurance and support during this stage helps them feel more secure in their new surroundings.
How important is routine during a move?
Routine plays an important role in helping children feel stable during a move. Keeping regular schedules for meals, sleep, and activities can provide a sense of normality. Even small consistencies can make a difference in reducing stress. Maintaining routine helps children adapt more easily to their new environment while preserving a sense of familiarity.
Use a professional moving company
For local and interstate moves, get in touch with respected Brisbane removalist company today.