Helping Child Cope with Moving: 5 Effective Tips & Tricks

How to minimize stress when moving with a child?

Moving is a monumental task for anyone, but have you ever wondered about its impact on the little ones? How does the upheaval of their familiar space affect their well-being and emotions? As parents, navigating through these concerns becomes paramount when orchestrating a move.

In the hustle of packing boxes and coordinating logistics, it’s essential to prioritize your child’s mental and emotional state during this transition. This article aims to unravel the strategies that can turn a potentially stressful move into a smoother, more positive experience. From creating a comforting routine amidst the chaos to involving them in the process, discover the key elements that can make moving an adventure rather than a source of stress for your little ones.

How does moving affect a child?

Moving can have a variety of effects on a child, both positive and negative. The extent of this impact is influenced by factors such as the child’s age, personality and past experiences. Typical ways in which moving can affect a young person include the following:

Adjusting to new surroundings, including a different home, school and community, can be challenging.
Children can experience a whirlwind of emotions – they may feel excited and sad at the same time, as well as irritated and angry.
Moving disrupts the sense of permanence and comfort of the familiar environment, leading to anxiety and stress. Acknowledging their concerns about leaving friends, changing schools and adjusting to new surroundings is important.
They may be sad to leave their previous residence and miss family and friends.
Moving house can affect a child’s development, emotional well-being and academic performance.

However, it is important to understand that children’s reactions to moving can be very different. Some can easily adapt, welcome new changes and thrive in a new environment. Parental support plays a key role in this context.

How to tell a child they are moving?

Many parents find it difficult to answer the question, “How to tell a child they are moving?” Imagine the situation: you have great news about a change in your family’s life, but you don’t know how to tell your child that you are moving. How can you approach the conversation in a way that minimizes anxiety and promotes understanding?

Choose the right time. Choose the right time to discuss the move. Find a time when you and your child can sit down without distractions. This will create a favourable environment for open communication.
Set a positive tone. Begin the conversation with positivity. Express your excitement about the new opportunities and adventures awaiting the family. Reinforce the idea that change can be a positive experience.
Understand their feelings. For instance, you might say, “I understand this is a significant change for you. I’m sure you’ll miss your old school, but the good news is that a fantastic new school with a wonderful playground awaits just a few streets away.”
Highlight the positives. Emphasize the positive aspects of the move. Talk about making new friends, getting to know your surroundings, or doing interesting things in the new place. Instilling a sense of adventure in your child can help them look forward to the change.

How to help your child cope with moving?

Helping a child cope with moving is a responsible task. Moving to a new place can be a challenging experience for children, as it often involves leaving familiar surroundings, friends and routines. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate this transition and cope with the changes. Here are some tips to help you support your child during this period of adjustment:

Tip #1: Recognize and deal with sadness

Give your child the opportunity to express sadness and say goodbye to everyone they know. Ask them to document their favourite places and memories in a moving book. Expressing sadness and honouring what is left behind is a healthy part of the adjustment process.

In the last moments before you leave, write thank you and goodbye letters, remember your favourite places in your hometown and say goodbye to each room in your now empty home. By embracing the emotional aspects of moving, families can get through this important life transition with more resilience and cohesion.

Tip #2: Provide a choice

Supporting children during relocation involves making fewer choices along the way. Giving them a voice in choosing their new home or room helps build a sense of ownership and empowerment. For younger children, offer choices, such as picking a travel companion or choosing a blanket or dinner for the first day in the new home. Even in small decisions, providing a sense of ownership can reduce anxiety about a major move.

Tip #3: Actively involve children in the moving process

Regardless of age, involving your child in the moving process can be beneficial. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and can be an effective time-saving tactic. Depending on your child’s age, involve them in packing, carrying boxes and labelling things. For younger children who are not directly involved in the move, think of creative ways to get them involved. Turn loose boxes into play forts, creating a fun activity during the move.

Tip #4: Minimizing stress on a moving day

Moving day can be very stressful whether moving abroad with children or locally, so careful planning is required, especially if professional movers are not an option. To prevent conflicts, give your child small souvenirs to remember the day. Pack individual backpacks with comfort items, such as snacks, a stuffed animal, books, or a device for a long journey.

For those with young children, exploring alternatives, such as having them stay with family on moving days, can reduce the number of unpleasant scenarios. Maintain meal and sleep schedules to ensure that everyone – children and adults alike – gets adequate rest.

Tip #5: Create a sense of home

Once you arrive, the main focus is unpacking and establishing a smooth daily routine. Set a specific time for unpacking to avoid disrupting your family’s routine. Then, return to your normal routine, explore the new area, and participate in social activities to meet new people.

Maintain a minimal, structured routine that instills purpose and a sense of belonging to balance the need for routine without being overly busy. When unpacking the children’s rooms, focus on keeping one common area free of clutter—the kitchen, living room, or bedroom—a shared sanctuary that fosters a sense of home. Moving with your children can be challenging for both you and them. However, it’s important to prioritize their emotional and physical well-being during this process. This can help alleviate stress for everyone involved.