Many people look up to moving with children. It is a profound change for them, both practically and emotionally. But if you prepare them well with these tips, it will be easier.
In this article, we make a dichotomy between small children and somewhat older children. Small children mainly need rest and regularity. Older children can become very sad. They have to say goodbye to their best friends, the sports club, music lessons, and school: their whole life changes. And it remains to be seen whether the new environment is just as fun.
8 tips for moving with children aged 0-7
Small children are still very impressionable. However, with the tips below, you can guide them smoothly through the move.
Tip 1: Plan the move in a quiet period
Moving requires a significant amount of time. Consequently, you should schedule the moving day during a calm season, such as the summertime when schools are off. Because of this, a significant amount of stress will be avoided, not only for you as a parent but also for your children.
Tip 2: Make it a fun adventure
Try to have a positive attitude towards the move and make it a fun adventure. Your children will pick up on your enthusiasm and will look forward to the move. You are going to do something exciting together!
Tip 3: Watch books or videos about moving
There are many videos and booklets for kids about moving in the market and on the internet. It simply explains what moving means so your kids know what to expect. For example, watch this nice video clip of Ernst & Bobbie and the rest:
Tip 4: Let your children pack their own moving boxes.
How nice is it when children are allowed to do the same as mom and dad? That they are not excluded but can help with the move? Let them pack too! Even though they are so small, they can pack quite a few toys into moving boxes. For example, there are special moving boxes for children on the market from Piet Piraat. This way, you make packing extra fun for them!
Tip 5: Let your children think along with the nursery
For children, it is very cool if they can decorate their own room. Give them a say in, for example, the color of the wall, the curtains or the lamps. Your children will be very excited and proud of their self-furnished new place!
Tip 6: Leave the same as much as possible in rooms for babies and toddlers
Babies and toddlers are attached to their familiar surroundings. If the furnishing of the new house is similar to the current furnishing, this prevents stress. Put the chest of drawers, the bed and the cuddly toys all in the same place.
Tip 7: Set up a temporary rest area for the children
It is important that during the move, there is at least one quiet room where your children can play, eat or sleep. Otherwise, they get tired and overstimulated. Move this room at a later stage and set up such a quiet room in the new house.
Tip 8: Label boxes with favorite toys
You need to move swiftly to satisfy your children’s demands for their toys, whether it be a cow or a bear. Therefore, could you kindly label the moving boxes with the locations of their children’s favorite toys? Then you won’t have to spend as much time looking as they wail.
7 tips for moving with kids ages 8-14
At this age, it can be quite difficult for children to move. This is because they have built up a whole social life and have to leave it behind. Therefore, follow the advice below.
Tip 1: Involve your children in your plans on time
As soon as your moving preparations are set, it is time to break the news to your children that you will be moving. This allows them a sufficient amount of time to become accustomed to the concept and helps to smooth down the shift.
Tip 2: Take a look at the new house
Show your kids where they are going to live and take them to fun places nearby. Think of the swimming pool, a football field, the beach or a forest. Then they know what to expect from their new environment.
Tip 3: Let your children be sad
Sadness is part of saying goodbye. It’s not fun to leave your friends behind. However, if your children are allowed to cry or be angry from time to time, this can help them process this traumatic event.
Tip 4: Organize a farewell party
A farewell party where all their friends can come. What a nice view! For example, moving is not only annoying but also a festive occasion. Also, plan farewell moments at the shelter, at school, and at the sports club.
Tip 5: Let your children help on moving day
Involve your children in the move as much as possible. Let them help you carry stuff and decorate the rooms for part of the day. This distracts from their concerns about the new environment. In addition, they feel useful. Also, arrange a chilled packaging box that is full of meals, snacks, or juices that your kids like. You can buy this box or other protective packaging material online from Britwrap.com.
Tip 6: Involve them in the choice of a new school
Choose two or three schools that you think would be a good fit for your children, and then ask them for their input on the final decision. The next step is to go to both schools and ask your children where they feel the most at ease. They will feel less anxious about the first day of school at the new school if they have attended classes there in the past.
Incidentally, start looking for a new school or childcare at a good time. These institutions often need 10 weeks to process the application.
Tip 7: Keep in touch with the old environment
Saying goodbye is less difficult if you occasionally return to the old environment. Or if you let friends and girlfriends stay in the new house.
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