METCALF MOVING BLOG
Family Adventure: Telling Your Kids About Your Move
Moving homes is a significant event in any family’s journey, often filled with excitement and anticipation. However, discussing the change with your children can be a daunting task. Here are some practical ways to help your kids understand and embrace this new adventure.
Prepare for the Conversation
Before you sit down with your children, ensure you have all the information about your household move. Schools, neighborhoods, timelines—having these details will allow you to answer any questions confidently. Children feel more secure when they see you have a clear plan.
Choose the Right Time
Select a time when your family is relaxed and undistracted. Avoid beginning the conversation during a hectic time, like right before school or dinner. Instead, choose a moment everyone can focus—perhaps over a weekend breakfast. This helps show your children that the discussion is important and that they have your full attention.
Explain Genuinely
Communicating openly without overloading your children with information is essential. Tailor your explanation to suit their level of understanding and stress both the practical reasons and the potential benefits of the move. Children appreciate honesty, and understanding the ‘why’ can help them process the change.
Encourage Questions
Create an inviting atmosphere for any questions they might have. Encourage them to voice any concerns or questions, no matter how small. By listening attentively and responding empathetically, you validate their feelings and start a constructive dialogue.
Foster Excitement
Turn any anxieties into excitement by discussing the fun aspects of moving, like decorating their new room or exploring a new neighborhood. Depending on their age, children may also appreciate being involved in planning the layout of their new space or investigating new school or community activities.
Keep the Dialogue Open
Revisit the conversation regularly. Open dialogues keep your children in the loop and let them express new feelings as the moving date approaches. Ensure they know it’s normal to have mixed emotions and that they can talk to you whenever needed.
Make It a Family Experience
Frame the move as a family adventure. Engage your children in packing, or give them a small responsibility in the moving process. Encourage them to help with tasks like packing a special ‘overnight bag‘ for the first night in your new home.
Visualize the Transition
Pictures and maps help them visualize their new home and its surroundings. Pictures of local parks, their new school, or fun landmarks can create a sense of familiarity. Visit the new area as a family for a day trip to explore ahead of time.
Plan Farewells and New Beginnings
Organize activities for saying goodbye, like a small farewell party with friends or a memory book of favorite local spots. At the same time, talk about the adventure of making new friends and exploring new places, which can bring a sense of balanced closure.
Cherish the Connection
Remind your children that the family bond remains constant while the location might change. Reinforce the idea that your home isn’t just a physical space but wherever the family is together. Such undertones help reassure them during the transition.
Moving Beyond Stress
Remember, moving is a transition for the entire family. Acknowledge it’s a process that begins with understanding each family member’s perspective. Tailor the approach for each child and appreciate their unique way of dealing with change. Making moving an inclusive journey helps create cherished memories from this pivotal life change.
We can help with the planning, packing, and heavy lifting. Let us take the load off. Contact us today for a free quote.
