How to Help Kids Adjust After a Move
Children thrive in structured, stable environments, so it’s not surprising that moving can be difficult for them. While many are excited by their new surroundings, others become sad, angry, and withdrawn. In the majority of cases, these feelings are only temporary. New experiences help kids grow and most settle happily into their new home. Though much of this is due to children’s natural resiliency, parents play a big role as well. Their actions and attitudes help kids adjust after a move. For moms and dads planning a relocation, here are the best ways to make the transition easier on your children.
Discuss the Move as Soon as You Can
It’s easier to cope with change when you know it's coming, so once you’ve decided to move, sit down and talk to your kids. Tell them where you’ll be going, when you’ll be moving, and what changes they can expect. The news will undoubtedly trigger some strong emotions, so after you’ve made the announcement, ask your kids to voice their concerns.
Older children can normally process their feelings without too much help, but this might be hard for younger children. Naming emotions (e.g. fear, sadness, anxiety) makes them more manageable, so you might need to guide your kids through their feelings if they can’t find the words to express themselves. During your discussion, emphasize the positive aspects of your move. Reframing it as an opportunity gives your kids something to look forward to, which will help generate enthusiasm about the change.
Get Them Involved in the Moving Process
One of the reasons children hate moving is because it makes them feel like they have no control over their lives. Instead of making their own decision about where to live, someone else has made it for them, which naturally leads to some uncertainty and resentment.
Asking your kids to help plan the move and prepare their belongings is one of the best ways to combat these feelings. Even small decisions will make them feel more capable, valuable, and confident. For instance, you could let your children choose:
- What friends and places they want to visit before they leave
- What items they want to pack first
- What they want to bring with them in the car
- What color they want to paint their new bedroom
- What the family should eat on their first night in their new home
- What part of their new city the family should explore first
While these choices may seem trivial, making them fosters a sense of ownership. The move isn’t something that’s happening to your kids. It’s something they’re participating in, which helps get them more involved and excited.
Keep Lines of Communication Open
Check in with your children regularly throughout the move. Don’t just inquire about their feelings. Talk about what you can do to help. This won’t just ease their frustrations. It also lets your kids know that their needs and concerns are important to you, encouraging them to open up when they have a problem.
Re-Establish Routines
Routines make children feel safe. Transitions are easy when they know what to expect, so do your best to reintroduce your normal rhythm as quickly as possible. Even if you still have loads of boxes to unpack, take a break for mealtimes, bathtimes, and bedtimes. For kids, falling back into old habits is one of the best ways to make a new house feel like home.
Unpack Strategically
Unpacking and setting up your belongings helps turn your new house into a safe, comfortable environment. Since bedrooms are often the most intimate spaces in your home, make them a priority. Do your best to set up your children’s bed and belongings the way they were in your old house. Being able to sleep in a familiar space will do a lot to ease their anxiety.
As you begin to unpack and organize the rest of your home, prioritize personal items over utilitarian ones. Artwork, decorations, and family photos might not seem important, but they help bridge the gap between your old place and your new one.
Lay Down Roots
Kids need friends in order to thrive, so even if you don’t plan on staying in your new community for more than a few years, make sure they have opportunities to socialize. Besides school, sign them up for extracurricular activities. Sports, scouts, clubs, and classes are a great way to meet kids who share their interests. Friendships take a while to form, but structured activities help speed the process.
Keep in Touch with Old Friends
At the same time, moving to another city doesn’t mean your children have to give up their old friends. Video chat and social media allow them to keep in touch with former classmates and playmates. This is especially important early on, when your kids are still exploring their new community and haven’t had time to establish any new relationships.
Stay Positive
Children can sense your mood. If you’re sad, worried, and stressed, it’s likely they will be as well, so do your best to stay calm. This might seem like a daunting prospect, given the tasks ahead of you, but the right approach can help keep your move organized and manageable. This not only means creating a checklist, switching utilities, and booking a professional moving service ‒ it means setting aside time to eat, sleep, and relax. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to take a break and have fun with your family. Maintaining a healthy, positive attitude is the best way to help your kids do the same.
Plan Your Move with North American Van Lines
Moving with children can be challenging, but the right team makes the process a lot easier. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery, North American helps make every step less demanding and more manageable. Contact us today for a free quote!
