Moving can be a difficult time for children. The following list is simply a
suggestion of things to consider when moving with children. Regardless of whether
you have teenagers or preschoolers, keeping open the lines of communication
is paramount to a successful move.
Top ten tips for moving with children:
- Talk to your children about the move. Discuss why you are moving, what
you can all look forward to as a family in the new place, and also how they
can help out.
- Consider and accept their feelings about moving. Whether your children
have positive or negative feelings about moving, listen to them and address
any concerns they may have.
- Consider their age. Different children will be sensitive to different things.
Pre-schoolers can often feel distressed about seeing their toys being packed
away and their cot being dismantled. They might fear being left behind. Primary
school children might feel excited about the move but also worried about fitting
into a new school or a new town. Teenagers can feel frustrated that they don’t
have any control of what is happening. Whatever the case, talking openly and
honestly about the move will ensure that you as a family will be able to work
through any issues or concerns the kids might have.
- Make memories together. Take some time to visit places your children are
particularly fond of. Encourage them to keep in contact with their friends
if possible. Prepare a special package for each child containing their favourite
things including toys, clothing and snacks that they can look forward to opening
when they arrive at the new place.
- Get them involved with decisions about the move. Take them with you when
you go looking for your new home, let them make decisions about how to decorate
their new rooms, and get them excited about the new area by doing some research
together and looking for places of interest that appeal to them. Older children
might even enjoy being given the chance to take on extra responsibility within
the family.
- When is the best time to move? Weigh up the benefits and disadvantages
of moving during the school year as opposed to moving during the holidays.
Remember that the beginning of a school term can often be quite chaotic. Your
child may experience difficulty making friends and their discomfort may not
be noticed as readily by teachers in the busy new term environment. On the
other hand, moving during a school year could disrupt high school curricula
and cause some transitional academic problems.
- Survey the new home. Look for potential hazards like loose steps, low overhangs,
and other possible accidents. Keep an eye on your children until they become
familiar with the new area.
- Take a break. Don’t try to do everything as soon as you move in.
Remember that emotional and physical fatigue can cause emotions to run high
and tempers to run short. Take some time out and make sure your first memories
of your new home are happy ones!
- Follow their progress. Watch for changes of behaviour and changes in their
performance at school. There could be a number of reasons for this. Keep an
eye on their progress at school and talk to their teachers if you feel concerned.
- Keep talking to your children. The move might be difficult for your children,
but it could be equally difficult for yourself. Make sure you remain open
and honest enough with your children so that they feel comfortable talking
to you about any issues they might be experiencing after the move. The most
important thing is to keep the lines of communication open!
For more information on how to make moving easier on your children, contact
us to talk to one of our consultants or visit the Fun Stuff page for links
and games to keep your children occupied.