Help Your Child Get Ready to Move

helping your child get ready to move
Many people list their homes in the spring to relocate in time for a new school year. Using a few smart strategies this summer, you can help your child get ready to move and take on that new school.
Talk it Out: Talking about your own concerns will definitely help your child get ready to move. If you let them know your concerns, they may be more likely to share theirs. They will feel comforted that you are also experiencing jitters. When I told my then 5-year-old son that I was nervous about moving, he admitted that he was sad to leave behind all of his toys and furniture. Shocked that he thought this, I was happy to inform him that we were bringing all of it with us. Just by bringing up my concerns, we were able to handle his big one–what a relief!
Get Them Involved: To help your child get ready to move, engage them in the process. Visit your new home or neighborhood as often as you can if you are moving locally. Check out schools, playgrounds, libraries, and ice cream shops nearby. Ice cream always helps a child feel good about their new zip code!
If the move is long distance, learning as much as you can online about your new location will help your child get ready to move. Find out what the town has to offer kids for activities and sign your children up for those that they may like. If possible, do this before the school year starts to help them meet other kids that might be in their school.
School Saavy: Scheduling a visit for your child to get a tour of their new school will help your child get ready to move. Just knowing where their classroom is on that first day will go a long way to making them feel more at ease. Find out if there are any activities that your child can participate in like orchestra, clubs or sports and find out how to get them signed up.
Packing Up: Have your child pack a box with things that they will want right away at your new home whether it is a favorite stuffed animal, pictures of friends (or Justin Bieber!) or a baseball glove. Label this with their name and make sure it gets to them straight from the moving truck.

helping your child stay in touch
Saying Goodbye, Staying in Touch: Perhaps the most important thing you can do to help your child get ready to move is to give your child space to grieve and support them in keeping in touch with their old friends. Staying connected with old friends will help them while they develop new friendships.
While it can have its ups and downs, you can help your child get ready to move and provide them with a valuable life skill…knowing they can make a life for themselves wherever they go.
Help Your Child Get Ready to Move