Moving with Kids: 6 Simple Steps to Help Your Children Adapt

6 steps to help your kid adjust to a new home

Moving with kids can be a big deal for families, no matter how far they go. Whether it’s a short move or a long one, there are many things to consider. You have to find new places to shop, figure out new travel routes, and find new places for your kids to play. It can feel like everything has changed.

Moving can be particularly tough for kids of all ages. They might miss their friends, have trouble sleeping, or feel uncomfortable in new surroundings. Teenagers might feel sad or angry, while younger kids might want to be held more often. Parents can feel sad, too, especially when they think about what they’ve left behind.

Step #1: Cultivate an atmosphere of openness and honest dialogue

So, how to talk to kids about moving? Create a transparent and sincere atmosphere when addressing children’s concerns about the move. Explain the reasons for the move, talk about the new destination, and explain the steps involved in the process. Adapt your explanations to the children’s age so that they understand the situation and feel encouraged to ask questions.

In these dialogues, recognize and support your child’s feelings. Whether it’s fear, enthusiasm or neutrality, show empathy and a willingness to listen. This approach not only strengthens the bond between parent and child but also offers emotional support during a potentially difficult time.

Step #2: Create a moving book

Creating a moving book with children can be an invaluable resource to help them adapt to the changes associated with moving and be the other answer to your question “How to move with kids?” This personalized book should capture the essence of your family’s journey from their current home to their new one, helping them to process emotions and create a narrative that they can understand and relate to.

Start with the present. Begin the book with a family photo in your current home. Include captions that describe your life there, highlighting special memories, familiar places, and routines. This sets the stage for the story of your move.
Include cherished memories. Add pages that showcase activities and traditions that your family enjoys. These could be photos of neighbourhood gatherings, visits to local parks, or family events. These images will remind you of happy times spent in your home.
Introduce the concept of moving. Gradually introduce the idea of moving. This can be done through a story or simple explanation that the child can understand. For example, illustrate that the parents are getting a new job or want to be closer to relatives.
Explore the new environment. Introduce your new home through photographs. Include images of the new house, neighbourhood, and future schools. This helps kids visualize and become familiar with their new surroundings.
Highlight positive aspects. End the book on a positive note. Illustrate the exciting elements of the new location, like nearby parks, interesting places to visit, or potential new activities. This fosters excitement and positivity about the move.

Step #3: Empower your kids in the decision-making process

Tips for moving with kids include involving them in decision-making, whether it’s choosing a colour for a room, arranging furniture, or even creating a budget for older children to decorate their space. Don’t force them to put things away, instead let them decide what to keep and what to throw away.

Provide boxes and bags, saying, “Here’s a box for things you’d like to keep and a bag to discard items you no longer use.” Allow them to sign their names on the boxes, decorate them, and reassure them that these cherished items will accompany them in the move.

Step #4: Prioritize children’s rooms during the process

Prioritizing your kid’s rooms is crucial for helping them adjust to the new environment. It creates a sense of familiarity and security, which is especially important during the chaos of moving. Here are some expert packing tips:

Pre-move preparation. Get kids involved with the moving process fully. Let them choose some favourite items to keep with them during the move. This helps maintain a sense of continuity.
Color-coded labeling. Label boxes with your children’s belongings using vibrant colours. Each child can pick a color for their box. This makes it easier to identify their items and involves them in a fun, creative way.
Strategic loading and unloading. Ensure these colour-coded boxes are loaded last onto the moving truck so that they can be unloaded first. This strategy speeds up setting up your children’s rooms in the new home.
Setting up the space. Start unpacking your child’s room. First, assemble the bed and arrange it as it was in the previous home, if possible. Getting used to the organization of the bed can go a long way to calming your child down.

Step #5: Plan enjoyable activities upon arrival

Organize fun activities once you arrive at your new home. These activities can turn a move into an exciting adventure and ease any anxiety associated with moving.

Explore local attractions. Make a plan to visit local attractions like parks, museums, and family-friendly spots. This exploration provides entertainment and helps your family get acquainted with the new area.
Find the best local eateries. Embark on a fun quest to find the best local pizza place, ice cream shop, or family restaurant. This can be a weekly adventure, turning it into a fun ritual and a way to explore the culinary delights of your new neighbourhood.
Join local clubs or sports teams. Look into local clubs or sports teams that your children can join. This is an excellent way for them to make new friends and integrate into the community.
Plan a welcome party. Consider throwing a small welcome party or a get-together. Invite neighbours and their children. This can be a simple way to introduce yourselves and start forming relationships in the community.

Step #6: Maintain communication with your child

It is very important to keep in touch with your child especially when moving abroad with kids. Despite the difficulties, make an effort to bridge the gap. Use Zoom calls to maintain a virtual presence, play simple online games, and exchange photos or letters. Talking to friends and acknowledging their feelings about the transition helps them build connections in the new environment. Recognize that the pain of leaving old friends will gradually fade over time as they build new relationships.

Moving is tough on both parents and children. It can be hard to leave their old lives behind. While it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and losses, it’s also important to create space for the possibility of a new and fulfilling life. Kids are resilient and can often adjust to a new community within a year.

Moving with Kids: Embracing the Journey Together

Helping children adapt to a new home requires patience, empathy, and thoughtful planning. By maintaining open communication, involving them in the moving process, and creating positive experiences in your new environment, you can ease their transition and help them feel more secure. Acknowledging their emotions, providing familiar comforts, and exploring the exciting possibilities of the new area together can turn the move into a shared family adventure. While the process may take time, fostering resilience and optimism will help your children embrace their new surroundings and build meaningful connections with confidence.