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Moving is an exciting time
full of commotion that can
be tough on everyone,
including the children. The
impact the move will have on
kids usually is age-related.
Babies, toddlers and young
children tend to deal well
with moving, while
adolescents may resent and
resist the move. Here are a
few timeless tips that may
help all families on the
move:
-
Clearly explain why
you’re moving. Children
like to be in the loop
and talking to them
about the move, what it
means and what it will
entail can help limit
move-related anxiety.
Familiarize the children
with the new location by
providing them with
exciting information
about the area. Some
useful tools include
maps, news stories and
pictures. Highlight some
of the location’s points
of interest that you
think your children will
appreciate, like an
amusement park or nearby
lake.
Make sure everyone has
packed and clearly
labeled their most-used
items and keep these
items easily accessible.
For a small child, this
could include a few
favorite toys or a
security item. Older
kids may not be able to
survive without certain
electronics or favorite
clothing items.
Moving Babies and
Toddlers
Babies and toddlers
typically are easy to move,
but they also can become
confused or scared. Consider
the following tips for them:
-
Pack their rooms last
and keep favorite toys
and other must-haves
close at hand.
-
Try to stick to
established routines
like lunchtime and
naptime.
-
Once in the new house,
young children may need
to be reminded about
which household
appliances are dangerous
and other safety
precautions or rules
they learned at the
previous house.
Moving Preschoolers
and School-Age Children
Kids this age can
get excited about moving and
may be eager to help. If
you’re moving with
school-age children,
consider the following tips:
- Let the children
help pack their own
rooms and once you’re in
the new house, let them
help decorate and
arrange their new rooms.
- Locate the
recreational facilities
and children’s group
activity centers. Once
you’re in the new
location, enrolling your
children in group
activities can help them
quickly make new
friends.
Moving Adolescents
Adolescents are deeply
involved in their social
network. Child development
experts suggest these kids
receive news of the move as
soon as possible. They will
need more time to get used
to idea and to say good-bye
to their friends. Some other
tips to consider:
- Spend time together
getting to know the new
area by driving around
and noticing what other
kids are doing and
wearing. Discuss how you
can help your child “fit
in.”
- If your child is a
senior in high school,
some child-development
experts suggest letting
the child stay behind to
finish the school year.
These experts emphasize
that this decision only
makes sense if your
child’s living
conditions will be
appropriate and safe.
Moving is an exciting time
when families tend to work
together to make sure the
adventure goes smoothly.
Your real estate
professional has helped many
families move and is a great
resource for more
information about moving
with children.
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