Five tips for moving with children

The very idea of ​​movement in general produces a variety of reactions and emotions, especially for the younger family members. If you are considering a move and have children, you want to take into account their feelings and expectations well before you head to the new location. Here are 5 strategies that will hopefully reduce their anxiety and yours.

1. Involve them in discussion
After taking the final decision and move to a new home is a "go", begin to discuss the prospect with your children. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, making them aware of what is in the works. Your age children will determine how deep you want to discuss the "why" of the movement. The bottom line is that they should be encouraged to see the positive aspects and it is your job as a parent to guide them in this direction. If you feel that you are unhappy or less happy to move, is likely to increase their fear and concern in order to put a smile on your face and look on the bright side!

2. Acknowledge their feelings
No matter what their age, moving can be difficult for children. It 'important that you allow them to process information and then express their thoughts and feelings. Very young children may be concerned if their toys and pets will be coming along. They may have questions about what their room will be like, where they will be able to play on the swings, and if Grandma and Santa Claus will be able to find the new house.

For older children, the thought of moving away from close friends can be a devastating prospect. Anger, frustration, hostility, sadness and anxiety are typical reactions. During this time, keep your lines of communication open with your child, and then listen, discuss, and recognize their feelings. Let them know that it could be similar feelings and that is all in the same boat. We hope that by the time the boxes are on the moving van will see relocation as an exciting opportunity.

3. Allow children to be part of the process
Whether you're still house hunting or finalize the details of your relocation plan, include children where possible. Listen to their views on the future of new homes, and when you took your final decision, discuss with them how, what to throw and what to keep, decorating ideas for their rooms, or their ideas about how a bonus room or garage could be exploited. If you are making a significant move, check your new city online with your children. Find fun things to do, events to attend, and new restaurants to try. That each of the boys plan the itinerary for a Saturday shortly after you get to make them excited to explore the area.

4. So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye!
Plan several special activities that will allow your children to say goodbye to friends, family, neighbors, and teachers will leave behind. Give them a book so you can gather all information and e-mail. The idea is not to increase their sadness, but to give them the opportunity to see people who care and say goodbye properly. They also feel that your child may have a special place that he would like to visit again. Discuss the idea with them and you may be surprised when they express a desire to visit a particular museum, park, restaurant, shop or one more time.

5. Getting settled
When you arrive at your new address, encourage your children to know their new neighbors. Do your best to meet your neighbors, plan hikes, bike rides, trips and at least once a week. Watch online, newspaper, magazines or in the community for the calendars of local events. Remember that book? At times during the first month in your new home would be a good time to have children connect with their old friends with a postcard or an e-mail.