Getting Your Kids Excited About Your Residential Move
While you’re busy dealing with the logistics of relocation, and your own excitement, concerns, and fears your kids are struggling in their own way to deal with the move. Many of them dreading a future filled with question marks.
Your kids are likely to move to a new neighborhood and a new school — maybe even a new part of the country.
They might be anxious that they won’t fit in. It is hard on kids, but there are things you can do to make the move easier on them – perhaps even get them excited about it. Here’s where you need to begin.
Get Them Excited About Your New Home
If you have the opportunity, take them there in person and let them see their new home ahead of time. If that isn’t possible, use virtual tours of the home to get them excited. Show them their new rooms and ask your kids if they want to paint their rooms a particular color or decorate with a specific theme in mind.
Present the new home as a fresh slate for the “next phase” of their lives and solicit their input. It gives them a little sense of power in a situation that has them feeling powerless.
Or perhaps your child wants to keep their room as close to their original room as possible. The key is to give your child choices about the move where possible while assuring them that other important things will remain unchanged.
Explore Your New Neighborhood for Points of Interest
Share these points of interest with your kids. Don’t forget that while there are some interests all your children share, each child has unique interests as well. Make sure to include something special for each child. Points of interest to consider for your children include:
- Nearby Playgrounds
Show them places where they can go and play near your new home; the more options, the better. Most cities offer websites about community parks with pictures. Use the web to your advantage if you’re making a long-distance move.
- Outdoor Recreation Areas
Get online and see if your new community has places for outdoor adventure such as bike trails, hiking trails, beaches, fishing ponds, botanical gardens, or horseback riding.
- Historical Spots
Check to see if there are any historical sites nearby. From historic homes to battlefields or state capitals to museums, find out if there are fun spots to explore.
- Schools
Visit the website for their new school and let them get excited about the activities and opportunities waiting for them once you move.
And of course, you will want to locate the favorite local Ice cream shops! A kid has to have priorities.
Arrange a Visit Ahead of Time
It helps if moving day isn’t the first opportunity for your children to see their new town, new community and, new home. It will feel far less foreign to them if you’re able to include them in pre-move visits.
Addressing a New Move with Teens
Teens are a different matter altogether. They have developed their own relationships, sometimes romantic relationships, and aren’t always on board with the idea of picking up their lives and moving.
It’s important to let your teens know you respect their concerns. Offer accommodations after the move, such as frequent trips to the place they consider home and the possibility of attending college in their home state – even returning for milestone events like homecoming or prom.
Show your teen that you can embrace the future without forgetting the past. That may be the most important lesson you can teach when moving.
Making Moving Easier
Relocating is an anxious time for everyone in the family. Taking steps like these can ease the transition.
If you need help with your big move, contact us for a quote. We can help ease the challenges of your relocation.
