Moving can be a stressful experience for the whole family, and children who may not fully understand what is going on and how it will impact their lives can feel incredibly stressed by the prospect of leaving behind all that they know. After all, little minds may wander when they are faced with uncertainty. While this process can be rather intimidating for kids, there are a few steps that you can take to add some fun and excitement to moving activities.
Make Packing Fun
Packing can be emotionally hard on children because they are watching their home get disassembled. However, you can ask your kids to help in a fun way by purchasing brightly colored tape and markers. They can tape boxes together for you, and they can also use the sides and tops of boxes to create fun works of art. While the house may be disassembled, the original works of art stacked up against the walls will make this space seem more homelike while you are in transition. As a side note, this is also a great way for you to more easily keep track of what may be packed inside of each box.
Spend Ample Time Learning About Your New Hometown
In the days and weeks leading up to your relocation, use the Internet to explore the new house with your kids and to get to know more about the new town you are moving to. Talk to your kids about what colors you may use to decorate their new bedroom and if you have plans to add fun features to the backyard. Explore museums, beaches, parks and other venues in the new town that your family can visit together after you get settled into your new home.
Create a Journey to Your New Home
If you are moving a considerable distance away, you may consider spending a few times traveling between your current home and new home. Take time to stop along the way, and turn this experience into a brief vacation. It may take your kids’ minds off of the fact that they are moving and can ease their stress level considerably. Consider stopping at theme parks, natural areas, museums and other exciting places that may interest them. Plan this trip together with your kids so that they are excited about it before moving day arrives.
Moving with kids is understandably stressful for you as well. You may find that the entire process is smoother and easier on everyone when your children are excited about it and participate actively in the packing and unpacking processes. These tips will help you to get your children on board with the relocation plans and to actively recruit their help with the process.
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