To help make relocating to your new life in a big city easier for your kiddos, consider the following tips:
Allow Them to Grieve
While some kids adapt pretty quickly to the idea of a new house, school, friends and neighborhood ice cream shop, others are emotionally shaken up about the move. If your children are crying and expressing how sad they are about the move, comfort and reassure them that what they are feeling is normal and that you will help them get through it.Ask your children what is worrying or making them the most sad, and then work with them to find ways to make it better. For example, your daughter may express that she will really miss her BFF down the street more than anything. Come up with ways that they can stay in touch through emails, letters, video chat apps and occasional visits.
While the moving process varies from kid to kid, if they are grieving the loss of their old home, they may need at least six months to acclimate to the new one. So, you might see more tears and tantrums for awhile.
Check out Homes and Apartments Online
Even though you and your spouse will have the final say on your new home — after all, you’ll be paying the mortgage — you should involve your kids in the house hunting process. This helps them feel more excited about the upcoming move. If you are planning to move to New York City, for example, check out an apartment listing website and spend some time shopping for your new apartment. You can ask your kids what they are hoping for in the new place and try to fulfill at least a few of those wishes.Let Them Help Pack
Seeing all of their favorite toys and books getting packed into generic brown boxes can be scary for kids. They may wonder if their precious belongings will be lost or broken along the way, and it may be hard for them to be without their prized possessions while you move.If you let your kids get in on the packing, especially their own stuff, you can help alleviate these fears. Give them one or two boxes that they can decorate with stickers and pens and mark with their names. Have them fill the boxes with their favorite things and seal them. If you have room in your car, bring these boxes with you, or at the very least, let your child help bring the boxes into a specific spot on the moving van.
The big city is no easy move. It took me a while to get used to it. Now I wouldn't have it any other way.
ReplyDeleteMoving to a big city would be a big difference for an adult, so it's bound to be intimidating to kids. These tips sound like they might go a long way toward helping.
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