Tips for helping kids settle into a new home

According to numerous studies, moving is one of the most stressful situations a person can go through, but sometimes it is a necessity. If you are a parent, in addition to all things related to the move – one of the priorities is to explain to your children what is going on. So before you even start searching for best local movers Columbus Ohio, find the right way to explain to your children what is going on. Not sure how to do it? Here are our tips for helping kids settle into a new home.

The best tips for helping kids settle into a new home

Talk to your kids

The first step is deciding when and how to tell your children you are moving. So don’t procrastinate and let them know the news as soon as possible. Children are smart and listen to adult conversations. They should consider relocation as an adventure. Kids are very curious and they love challenges and love exploring. If you are renting self storage Columbus Ohio, you can even take them to storage and show them what it looks like.

Fear of the unknown

Every child will be sad leaving friends and everything that is known and safe for them. However, besides being sad, the child will also be scared in the new environment. They will fear that they will not be able to make new friendships, that other children will treat them badly, etc. In short, they might lose their confidence.

That’s where you come into the scene. Learn how to talk to your children. If you present the situation to the child in the smallest detail, it will reduce the uncomfortable feeling about moving. Encourage your children to think positively about their new home and its surroundings. Read and explore your new place online and ask if they would like to visit your new neighborhood. From the beginning, promote moving as a new adventure, as an opportunity to meet new people, to see different customs, to learn a different accent or even in the language (if you are moving abroad).

Make a plan with your children

The plan gives you a sense of security and organization, despite the fact that moving is a big change for your children. Honesty and openness are extremely important in the initial phase. Provide the children with enough relevant information so that they may feel free to ask various moving questions. But do be careful not to overdo it with the amount of information.

If you don’t have the answer to a specific question, you can simply say: That’s a really good question. I don’t have the correct answer to it, but what do you think you and I try to find the answer together. In this way, you can let the child know that it is okay to feel anxious about certain problems that occur during relocation, but that it doesn’t necessarily have to be negative. Everything can be viewed from the positive side, even the move, which is a great chance for fun and exploration.

Encourage your children to take responsibility

Depending on how your kids grew up – how they experience adventure, exploring and taking risks – that’s how they will deal with the stress of moving. Children who have never traveled or participated in adventures may feel more anxious unless they are currently extremely happy about something else. If you are thinking about getting packing services as well, you can also explain to your children how packing their toys may be helpful. Lead by your example!

Once you move, talk to other parents in the neighborhood. Meeting new children is a great idea, but don’t push it. Try to be as subtle as possible so that the children can get together seamlessly. Another very important detail is that children often imitate parents, and share emotions with them, so if you feel calm and relaxed, the children will be more relaxed too.

Ask questions

Start with questions such as: What do you think about the storage units we just saw or the moving in general? You will be surprised by what the kids will think. They can even say something like: Are we moving because I did something wrong? Open questions are a conversation based on curiosity and interest, not on the agenda or condemnation. Children may be concerned about certain things such as dropping out of school, leaving friends, home, and the neighborhood. Some children may not show and interest and look forward to the adventure in advance, but they may feel fear if they notice that their parents are stressed.

Make a list of the main questions you can ask your children about moving. Keep track of the answers to these questions to keep track of the progress of your children. If the child is worried about the school they will be attending, try researching and finding information about the new school and photos so that the child can create a picture of the new learning environment in advance.

Make your child feel important

Children under the age of ten are better to adapt to changes than older children. Older children should be given choices about their lifestyles in a new environment. Allowing your child to choose colors and decorations for their new room will help them to calm down. In addition, letting him decide where a piece of furniture or an art painting should fit in a new home will make him feel important.

Be consistent

Keep the same rules and family routine as in your old home. So many things will change in a short period of time, and the last thing your children need is to start introducing new rules. Keep all the structures and principles of your family rituals as usual.

Involve your child in planning

Ask your child how they would like to say goodbye to their old home. Help them decide who they want to be in touch with and in what way. Show him how to collect email addresses and phone numbers. Allow your children to pack their personal belongings and toys so that they are part of the relocation process. Invite other children and your children’s friends to come and help with packing and relocation planning. Good luck!