Moving with Children

Trying to break the news to your kids about moving the family? Let us help you consider the feelings of those in your family that make a big impact. There is a lot to do when planning a move, but keeping your children involved is important. Here is checklist for parents to follow, so that the children don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Telling Your Kids

• Generate some conversation about your new home and area by asking your children what they already know. Parents can provide maps, books, information from the Internet, etc. This is a fun way to get everyone excited about the change.
• Provide your kids with an address book so that they can keep track of family members and friends that they may want to keep in contact with.
• Throw a going away party and invite all of your children’s friends and classmates.
• Spend time visiting some of your kids favorite places to go such as the library, park, swimming pool, etc.
• Create a blueprint of each child’s new room and allow them to design the layout of their furniture and personal belongings.

Packing

• Preparing to move is an excellent time to sort through things that could be donated to charity or turned into cash. You may want to have your children separate their things in specific categories (examples: take, toss, donate, etc.).
• Create a checklist so that your kids can feel a sense of accomplishment when they have completed a certain task.
• Have your kids design a label or sticker that can be used to differentiate their items from the rest of the families.
• The first night in a new house is always a little scary for everyone. It’s important to make sure that there are some familiar things each child has in their possession—a blanket, favorite pajamas or special toy—just to name a few.
• Make sure there are plenty of activities, such as travel games, books, CDs and DVDs for the trip.

Settling In

• It’s important to go over your new address with your kids. Try to have them memorize it as soon as possible.
• Your child’s room is their personal haven and should be designed to their specifications with their furniture and belongings. This is where the blueprint of their new room comes in handy!
• It’s important to get outside and tour the neighborhood or take a drive and visit some new places around the community.
• E-mail old friends and neighbors to let them know about your new home and community.
• Have your children start a list about what they like about their new home, school, church, etc.