Moving into a new home is a stressful process for everyone. Whether your new home is move-in ready or will need to undergo construction, the moving experience is far from easy.
That strain isn’t just felt by the adults involved in a move. Kids are just as likely to feel the stress of moving to a new home. Leaving behind a home they know and their friends at school is a difficult life adjustment, and it’s important that you take the time to make them as comfortable as possible.
Here are three important ways you can help your child adjust to a new house. By taking these steps, you’ll help them feel at home in no time.
1. Take Your Child To See Their New Space Ahead Of Time
If it’s possible to do so, take your child to visit their new house, town, and school ahead of time. A lot of anxiety can come from not knowing what to expect, so taking the time to let them see what’s coming can do wonders.
Take them to the new house and let them see their new room. Discuss where they might like to put their things, or where items from your current home will be placed in the house.
Focus on what’s going to be familiar to them. Will they be using the same kitchen table? Is their old bed coming along? Help them realize that not everything is changing.
It can also help to highlight exciting features about the new house. Does it have a bigger yard? A pool? Are there more kids in the neighborhood? Get them excited about the positive changes they can expect.
After you tour the house, take them to see their new school. If you call ahead, you might even be able to get a tour. You can also check out local parks and hangouts so they can see where they’ll be able to spend their time.
By letting them see what’s coming ahead of time, your child can really begin to process their new life and what’s coming.
2. Let Your Child Help Make Decisions
Another way you can help your child adjust to your new house is to let them help set it up. Ask for their opinion on where things should go, let them help you pick out new items or paint colors, make them really feel that this is their house, not just someplace you’ve moved them to.
Letting them make decisions helps them feel that they have some control over their life. This can be especially helpful if they weren’t a fan of moving in the first place.
If they’re old enough, you can also let them design their own room. This leads us to our next tip.
3. Work On Setting Up Their Room First
One of the best ways to create a sense of normality is to get your child’s room set up. Focus on getting them settled first so they have a place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.
As we mentioned before, you can let them help decide what their room should like to make the process more appealing. Letting them choose their favorite color for the walls or pick out new bedding can really make the space feel like their own.
These steps can help your child feel more at home and make their adjustment process easier, so keep them in mind as you make your move.