5 Ways to Prepare Your Kids for a Move and a FREE Scavenger Hunt
Moving can be tough for everyone, including your young children. In addition to moving homes, you may be switching schools, leaving neighborhood friends behind, and missing out on your favorite park and activities. While there are a lot of positives to moving, your kids won’t always see the bright side immediately.
The best way to prepare your family for a big move is to talk it out, make the move exciting, and listen to your kids’ feelings. Here are five ways that can help make your move a little more exciting.
Talk About The Why, Where, and When
As soon as you know your decision to move is final, it’s time to tell your kids. The sooner they know, the longer they have to process the move and ask questions — which they may have a lot of. Be open to questions and answer honestly while respecting your child’s feelings.
Explain why you’re moving and why it’s important for your family. Be clear that the decision is final, but ask honestly how your children feel about it. It may be frustrating if they don’t feel they have any say in the matter.
They’ll also want to know the where and when of your move. Post the date up on your Family Organizer to help your family prepare and organize for the big day. Read up on the area you’re moving to and have highlights and make the news more exciting. Maybe your new city has a children’s museum they’ll love, or the neighborhood you like has a splash pad at the park.
Write Your Pros Together
After your family has some time to digest the information, come together to brainstorm all of the pros and cons of your move. It’s good to chat through what your kids are worried about, but wrap up with the pros of moving to a new home.
If you don’t know exactly where you’re going to move, ask your kids what they’d like in a new home, school, and neighborhood. This way they can feel involved in the move and get excited about a new opportunity.
Help Your Kids Design Their New Room
One of the best parts about moving is getting to decorate from scratch. While you may not be able to do a total makeover, grab some canvases, paint, and stickers for everyone to make art for their new rooms.
Consider simple upgrades that can refresh the theme, too. A new comforter and curtains can make a room feel brand new without feeling like another project.
Visit Your New Neighborhood
If you’re moving to a neighborhood within driving distance, make time to visit a few weekends before your move. Plan for fun dates like a picnic in the park before a stop at your new favorite ice cream shop. Try to visit places that are exciting and you know you’ll be able to enjoy again to give your family something to look forward to.
If your new home is too far to visit, see if you can plan a virtual tour of a local museum or attraction. You can also pull up photos of cool attractions or even browse Google Street View to learn more about the city.
Plan Games and Activities for Your Move
While you may be looking forward to sitting back to relax after a move, it’s helpful for you and your kids to dive in and enjoy the city. Plan some activities for your first few days to give everyone a break from unpacking and have some fun. The scavenger hunt scavenger-hunt is an engaging way to explore the new house and keep kids occupied as you settle in.
You’ll also want to get out and about to see your new home and everything it has to offer. Greet your neighbors, check out downtown, and visit a new park to enjoy some fresh air and create positive memories early in your move.
Moves disrupt routines and change a lot in a family’s life, while they also bring about a world of opportunities. Stay positive, communicate openly, and plan ahead to keep your move as stress-free as possible. Give your kids the opportunity to get involved, and enjoy your new home.
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