While a move can be exciting to an adult, it often creates anxiety for a small family member. The only information a child has is the information an adult has given them, and they have no control over the decision and the unknown.
When a child learns they are moving, uncertainty comes over them, and it is normal for them to feel scared. For most children, their home is their world, and their world is safety and love, and if that no longer exists, what fills its place? The thought of moving can provoke anxiety in a younger child and annoy an older child. The good news is that you can do things to make it smoother for young and older children. The following are some moving tips for families:
Be transparent
Tell your family about the move and get them involved as soon as you decide. Gather your family together and tell them at once. Tell your children before you mention it to another adult who might accidentally spill the news to them.
They will want to know when the decision was made and letting them know that they are the first people to hear of your decision will provide some assurance that they matter.
Be open
Allow your children to be upset. Let them ask dozens of questions. If they stick around after the announcement, let them talk. They will say some things that make sense and many things that don’t. Be prepared for sullen silence and remain open.
Be specific
Don’t just tell your children you’re moving. They need concrete and specific information, and children need the information to feel in control. The “Why” might be difficult, and the decision behind a move can include various reasons. However, children are often more concerned about the “Now.”
Remember, too many details may overwhelm your children. It is best to be a matter of fact and to the point. Give children time to take in the news before giving them more information. Children need to absorb the news and ask questions if they choose to. Answer the questions honestly. If you are unsure of an answer, tell them that. Let them know that you want them to tell you how they feel, what they think, and what they expect will happen.
Be Reassuring and Positive
Make clear who and what is coming on this new move. While your children’s age may differ, even older children need to know that you and your spouse are coming, along with siblings, pets, and other valued possessions.
Don’t let your emotions drive the way you deliver the news. Perhaps you, too, are unhappy about the move as a parent. Don’t let any negative feelings or a possible negative attitude creep into how you deliver the news.
List the advantages of moving, such as a new school or a new home. Point out any desirable amenities that aren’t available at your old home (a backyard, a finished recreation room, a nearby lake, etc.) Emphasize new beginnings like experiencing different weather or terrain.
Visit your new hometown
Schedule a weekend to visit your new town before the move is permanent. Your family will appreciate seeing their new neighborhood, their new school, and a fun tourist site or landmark before returning home.
A weekend getaway will give your child better aesthetics of their new location and probably calm some pre-move jitters. Adding in a fun landmark or tourist attraction gives your child an upbeat memory to associate with your upcoming move.
At Storage Authority, we supply storage units because we know our customers want to eliminate the stress of a big move. We know it is easy to get overwhelmed with the many items we own, so we provide 24/7 self-storage room access so you can retrieve your goods when convenient for you. Our storage units, moving boxes, and moving products offer peace of mind to our customers. Visit our website, contact us, or call us at 262-676-9464.