Talking to your Children about Moving

Written by Moveforfree on December 2, 2009 – 1:18 pm -

SO moving can be stressful as it is, but throw children into the mix and things can get a bit more interesting.

For one, different children react to moving in different ways.  And depending on how old your kids are will also change on how they react to the news.

Here are some great ways to talk to your children about moving.

1. It is recommend that you let your children know as soon as possible that you are moving.  They will need time to get used to the idea.  And if you are moving far it will give them time to let their friends know.
2. Tell you children that you are open to questions about moving.  If you let them know you are open to discuss things then it will help them feel more comfortable about moving.  For example, if they ask you if there will be any parks near by, you could suggest they get online to look.  Having them feel like they are a part in the moving process will make them feel less worried about the whole process.
3. Your attitude can affect the way your children react.  If you have a bad mood about moving then chances are your children will too.  Acting up- beat and excited about the move can lift your child’s spirits as well!
4. As I said before it is important to encourage your children to help in the moving process.  Let them know that you are moving as a family and as a family everyone is going to help with the planning, organizing, packing, and moving.  By doing this your children will feel appreciated and will bring the whole family closer together during a very stressful time.

Think of moving as your a new adventure and encourage your children to participate.  I’m sure there will be a few tears shed but, the overall outcome will be sure to come out better!

Tags: Children, Family, Moving, talking
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Bonding with your Family During your Move

Written by Moveforfree on November 30, 2009 – 4:36 pm -

As I have said many many times before moving is one of the most stressful events in a person lifetime. All the packing, extra expenses, the actual moving day, the list goes on and on.

The stress level only increases when it’s more than just yourself that is moving. What if you have a whole family to move? The stress level is sure to increase, especially with children.

Some might find it difficult to not let your stress get the better of you and take you frustrations out on your family… the ones you care about the most.

But! There are ways that a family can still bond throughout their moving process.

photo credit

On of the main things to remember is try not to let your stress overpower your emotions. Just remember to not let the move overpower your life. Start early. Do a little at a time.

Children may react to the move differently then you. If you are moving far, allow them to say goodbye to the old place, friends, and neighbors. Recognize they may need more time then you. You might consider telling them as soon as you know for sure that you are moving, so they have time to adjust to the idea.

If your children are older (pre- teens/ teenagers) they might want to have a goodbye party or spend a lot of time with their friends. While, you may want them to pack and help with the moving chores, this process of saying goodbye can be very important to them.

Try putting on music during a long day of packing that you can all enjoy. Music always helps stressful situations.

As far as packing goes, give your children a checklist of tasks that they can accomplish on their own. This will make them feel that they are an important part of the move.

Checklist for younger children….

Have them sort their stuff they want to move into three piles.

Keep
Throw out
Give away

Have them mark their boxes/ belongings with their own personal logo/ seal that they designed.

Have them pack a first night backpack with some stuff they will need during their first night in their new place. Things like a special blanket/ stuffed animal, favorite pair of PJ’s and favorite book will help them feel more “at home” when they get to the new place.

Checklist for pre-teens/ teenagers

When you tell your teen that you are moving, remember to tell them that this is a very stressful process for everyone and you would really appreciate lots of help. They can help in many ways.

They can take care of the younger children. They can be there to comfort them if they are anxious about the move. And especially be there to take care of them on the moving day. When people are moving big heavy furniture and boxes it is especially important to have the little ones out of the way.

Assure them that you are open for ideas on how to develop a strategic packing and moving plan. Children sometimes just like to feel included in big events! They like to feel like they can help.

Show/ tell them how to pack tactfully by packing the stuff that you don’t use very often first and the stuff you use daily last.

Have them write their own name on their boxes. Let them decorate them, so they no which one’s are theirs.

Make sure you don’t shadow over them to much. Teens like to prove to their parents they can do stuff on their own.

Hopefully these tips will help you turn a stressful event into a…. well a less stressful event. Use your family to your benefit. Use it as a bonding process instead of a fighting, anxiety filled incident.

GOOD LUCK!

*ideas adapted from http://www.moversdirectory.com

Tags: bonding, checklist, childreen, Family, Moving, teens
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