Making It Home: How To Help Your Little Ones Prepare For Moving To A New Home
Moving can be a stressful event that is hard on every member of the family, right down to the family pets. However, children tend to take moving a lot more seriously and can be frightened by a sudden change in venue. The move from one house to the next can easily leave your young child afraid to sleep, overtly clingy to their parents, and overall emotionally distressed. When a move is necessary, there are a few things you can do as a parent to help your child get prepared for the move to a new place to live.
Introduce the New Space Early
Many parents make the mistake of leaving their little children with a sitter when they initially start looking into their new home. While there may be a lot to do and kids can get in the way more than anything, you should make an effort to bring your youngsters along to the soon-to-be home several times before the scheduled moving date. The more time your child spends in the home, the more comfortable they will become with their surroundings and the easier it will be for them to adjust once everything has been moved.
Involve your child in the planning process by allowing them to choose their room and decorate it. Go ahead and bring in some of their favorite things, such as toys or wall decor, to make the space recognizable as something that is familiar to your child. If possible, move over a few beds first and spend a night or two in the new house before the actual moving date. Little by little, your child will become more comfortable with the new place.
Involve Your Child in the Packing Process
As the time inches closer for professional movers, such as Midway Moving & Storage, to arrive, get your child involved in the packing process. Get them excited about the change in scenery by providing them with a few "new home" toys that can only be unpacked after the move is complete. Talk to your little one about the move and how the professional movers will help pack their things to a big truck. Designate special totes in a certain color that will allow them to keep visual track of where their things are going.
Moving with your child can be a trying experience if it is handled incorrectly. The last thing you want to do is to make the move a sudden change. Use these two tips to help your child feel more comfortable about this major life change.