The stress of moving home affects everyone. Alongside the decisions over packing and storage, all parents will face a number of difficult questions: How will the children feel about leaving their friends?
How will they feel adjusting to a new school? What about their feelings regarding leaving the only place they might know as home?
With over 20 years experience in removals, Town and Country has some simple advice to help those moving home with children enjoy a calm and stress free move.
Children need security – Children at an early age like to feel safe. It is important that they know what is going on around them. The sight of their treasured belongings being packed away can be distressing. Town and Country Removals suggest getting the children involved as much as possible, from getting them to assist with the packing or letting them watch the van being loaded and unloaded. Such simple steps will go a long way to easing their anxiety.
Let the kids be the interior designers – One of the easiest ways of getting the kids comfortable in their new bedroom is to get them involved in how it will look. Let them choose the colour, features and furniture for the room. Making sure it is what they like and have helped design it is a sure way to make them feel happy from the first night they spend there.
School’s out – Summer is the most popular time to move with children as their schooling is not disrupted and they are less stressed and tired. Remember, this is also the best time to enlist them into a club if you need room for packing.
Remember their friends – For the slightly older children, leaving their friends will often change their behavior. The idea of making new friends in a new area will also seem daunting and cause them anxiety. Arrange for one their existing friends to visit them in your new home. This meeting should be taken seriously. Telling a teenage child that seeing their friends will happen once they are settled in will only increase their anxiety. Set a date and fix travel arrangements.
Remain in control – Younger children are likely to behave in uncompromising ways. Tantrums, tears and even bed-wetting can all be a result of the stress. Try to remember this is more than likely just a phase. Be patient and they will soon be back to their old selves.
Moving is an exciting time, but take time out to ensure every member of the family is sharing in that excitement. By following these steps, parents and, more importantly, their children can start life in their new home in a happy frame of mind after a successful and stress-free move.
