Young kids often have a hard time understanding certain things. For instance, big concepts, like moving, can overwhelm them.
As a parent, it’s hard to balance getting ready for the move and helping your kids prepare. But it’s still an excellent idea.
With these tips, you’ll have a few ideas for how you can explain your upcoming residential move to your young kids.
1. Tell Kids in Advance
Parents often avoid telling children about important events in advance. Sometimes, they worry that their kids will get too upset. But kids need plenty of notice before something as big as moving.
It’s a better choice to start talking to the kids before you start packing. That way, when you start packing, they understand what you’re doing and why.
Expect them to have a lot of questions. They might even be unhappy. But they need time to process it before you leave.
2. Keep Explanations Age-Appropriate
Kids tend to react to moving in different ways, based on their age. For instance, toddlers may have a much more difficult time understanding the process, whereas young school-age children may have more opinions about it. You can expect some disagreement from any age.
Experts suggest that you focus on age-appropriate explanations. Keep it simple and repetitive for very young children. Reassure older children that you will make their needs a priority.
3. Use Books with Messages
Reading stories to your children about moving is an excellent way to introduce and reinforce positive messages about your upcoming relocation. Books about moving can open up communication about the changes ahead and help your children prepare for their new environment and perhaps feel more secure in this significant change.
4. Pack Deliberately
As you pack, you’re likely to get some conflict. Toddlers don’t understand why you’re taking things away. Preschoolers may worry that you’re going to get rid of their belongings.
Give yourself extra time for this step. Packing with kids always takes longer, even if they’re happy about the move.
Be clear about your process from the beginning. Enlist the kids to help you pack and explain where everything will go in the meantime. If your kids struggle to set aside essential items, wait to pack them until near the end.
5. Listen to Concerns
Throughout the moving process, kids will tell you the concerns they have. Older kids can verbalize it, while younger kids may simply act out.
As a parent, your goal is to make sure your kids feel safe. They need to know that you can keep them secure while you move and afterward.
Be ready to have a lot of conversations. Keep the doors open for communication at times when you are not busy.
6. Stay Positive
Even if you’re not looking forward to the move, you need to stay positive for the kids. They look to you for hints on the ways they should react. If you’re upset, they are more likely to be unhappy. They may even try to convince you not to move.
Instead, focus on the benefits of moving. Talk about the cool things you’ll get to do as a family. Remind them that you’ll do your best to keep in contact with friends in your old location.
Families on the Move
Explaining moving to kids is difficult. It may be much more challenging than the actual process of moving. To help you make it easier, request a quote for moving services today.