How to move a house with kids:
Moving is stressful, especially, for kids due to their non-involvement in the whole process, as well as their emotional attachment to their old home. In addition, the reason behind the decision to move might not be clearly understandable to them. They might feel dejected at losing their beloved home and their close friends. Kids can exhibit different reactions to the decision of moving houses. Let’s have a look at some of the negative symptoms a child can exhibit, and that you, as a parent, should watch out for and manage.
What to be cautious of when moving house with children:
- See if the kids are encountering any sleeping difficulties.
- See if the kids are being more aggressive than normal.
- See if they are acting lazier than before.
- See if they are exhibiting any habits they didn’t have before.
- See if they are having any concentration problems.
- See if they are having any stomach or headache.
How to move house with children under 5:
Since, at the age of 5, the child has yet to develop a strong connection to their living place; it’s easier to manage children under 5. All a child under 5 wants is to be with their family. So, as long as they know that they won’t be alone, they won’t have any apprehensions and concerns.
How to move house with children above 5:
Children above the age of 5 can have strong connection with their old living place, and might also have few friends in the neighborhood. So, it’s important to involve children above 5 in some way in the decision-making and moving process. Following are some tips on how to move house with children above 5.
- Keep them involved:
Give the child a feeling that they are involved in the whole process. In order to make them feel like they are playing a part in the situation, entrust them with little tasks they can handle. - Show them the new place:
Before moving, show them the new place and their room in the new place. Inquire about something they would like to have in their room. Simply, make them feel like they are incharge. - Allow them to say farewell:
Before moving, allow your kid to say farewell to their neighborhood friends. Also promise them of frequent reunions with their old friends. - Give them new activities:
Give you child something enjoyable to do in their new house and they will easily overcome all the stress of leaving the old house. This activity could be anything that your child enjoys.
How to move with teenage children:
Teenage children are usually more understanding and can comprehend the logic behind the decision to move. Still if you get the hint that they are not very satisfied with your decision, you can manage them using the following tips.
- Consult them:
Talk to them and explain your decision logically to them. It’s highly likely that they will come to terms with your decision to move. - Don’t disturb studies:
If you have freedom to choose the timing of the shift, it’s a great idea to move during the school holidays. That way the studies of your kids won’t be disturbed. - Allow them to say Goodbyes:
Just like with children above 5, allow your teenage children to say farewell to their neighborhood friends. - Allow them personal space:
Give your child time to make sense of the new situation. Don’t force solutions on them. Rather, allow them to come up with their own solutions. - Ensure that they don’t suffer from prolonged depression:
Feeling a bit down after moving houses is normal. However, if you notice that your child is unable to overcome the stress and are unable to go back to their old self, then, you should consult a professional to get help for their depression.