![\"family,](\"https:\/\/mommybites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/02\/33569903_m.jpg\" "\\"moving")
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It\u2019s settled. Plans for your upcoming move are officially in motion. Your current home is on the market; packing boxes stand ready in the wing. You\u2019ve done due diligence; safely whisked away personalized family photos and de-cluttered with a critical, objective eye.<\/p>\n
Still, you\u2019ve got worries. Will your current home sell without major complications? Can you keep to the timetable at hand? Will your boss honor her promise of flexible work hours while you mitigate relocation issues? And most importantly, how are the kids going to handle all this?<\/p>\n
We can help with that one. Read on for helpful tips and practical advice to get \u2014 and keep \u2014 children on board during a family move. Perhaps you\u2019ll discover that by doing so, your overall transition will be considerably smoother as well.<\/p>\n
As tempting as it might be to keep the kids in the dark initially, and present your move only after all the exciting, adventurous aspects are in place \u2014 don\u2019t. To a child, packing up your things and saying goodbye to friends is not like finding a new puppy under the Christmas tree, or ripping a troublesome band-aid off in one quick swipe. There is no immediate joy or relief.<\/p>\n
Present your move realistically in an age-appropriate manner. Discuss the \u201cwhy\u201d first. This way your kids won\u2019t intuitively wonder if the need to relocate has anything to do with them, and consequently believe there\u2019s something they can do to prevent it.<\/p>\n
Stay away from child-oriented rationales like having more room to play or being close to a beach. The kids will discover these perks on their own, but only after they\u2019ve effectively faced their initial tentative feelings and concerns.<\/p>\n
Open communication is vital. You may be surprised to discover learning more upfront when you listen constructively before speaking. Children don\u2019t like to feel scared, nervous or sad.\u00a0 When they do, it\u2019s important to validate their reality and help identify their emotions clearly<\/a>. Sometimes that\u2019s all it takes to move things forward towards a more positive state.<\/p>\n Problem-solve together, assuming they can just as easily come up with effective moving strategies as you. After all, you may see the wisdom in packing their rooms up and shipping out as quickly as possible. But your children may suggest \u201ccamping\u201d leisurely in the family room with a few treasured items while their rooms are being dismantled \u2014 an adventurous start to their new adventure!<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve got the kids in forward-looking mode encourage their assistance with child-appropriate tasks. Children love to be involved, and for sure you\u2019ve got a lot on your list. Consider appointing one child \u201cThe Official Box Labeler\u201d and another \u201cPacking Supply Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n When assembly-line duties lose their novelty, suggest they create a picture or write themselves a note to hide in a box as a special unpacking treasure. Turn frustrating organizational chores into a scavenger hunt with challenges like \u201cFind every tool that\u2019s not in the shed where its supposed to be,\u201d or \u201cGather all the extra school supplies we haven’t opened yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Anything you can do to give your children a feeling of control and purpose during this time of transition is helpful. Consider looking into school and extracurricular activity possibilities<\/a>. You may find unexpected opportunities that genuinely excite or attract them.<\/p>\n How about their new rooms? Can you graph out the dimensions and structural features? If so, start tossing around ideas for updated furniture pieces and design elements. See if you can find time to grab paint chips from your local home improvement center so the kids can consider color combinations.<\/p>\n A great way to streamline the packing process and maintain effective clutter control is to organize family memorabilia into albums or shadow boxes<\/a>. Perhaps you\u2019ve discovered a gazillion collected seashells and interestingly-colored rocks. There\u2019s certainly no need to pack them all. Instead, work with your children to a create a means of encapsulating all the memories meaningfully with just a few chosen articles.<\/p>\n Look at you! Packing with the children by your side, planning while memorializing treasures of the past. Puts a new spin on the phrase \u2014 you go, girl!<\/p>\n Like what you read?\u00a0<\/strong>Also check out our latest\u00a0FREE online classes<\/a>,\u00a0parenting advice<\/a>,\u00a0jobs for moms<\/a>,\u00a0events<\/a>,\u00a0childcare listings<\/a>,\u00a0casting calls<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0raffles,<\/a>\u00a0and our\u00a0Parents With Nannies Facebook group<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nEncourage A Sense of Mastery<\/h2>\n
Document Memories<\/h2>\n
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