You need to talk to your kids about relocation as soon as you find out about it. Even if it’s months away. If you have enough time you can start slowly, get them interested, and work your way up. Obviously, we are talking about kids over the age of three. Two-year-olds need just a heads up and younger ones don’t really care. Babies don’t need to know where they are as long as they are with their family they will be just fine. That’s the great thing about babies. All they need are extra cuddles and they are fine with everything as long as they are healthy. Now, let’s start talking about preparing your kids for your upcoming relocation.
As soon as you find out about relocation
It’s hard to discuss the subject, especially when your kids seem to have found a good routine. That’s why some parents avoid having that talk until the relocation approaches but that is not a good way to handle this. Also, keep in mind that kids need time to adjust to the new normal. Get the word out as soon as possible especially if you need to move in a hurry.
No matter where your new home will be you can start by talking about it. The state and the city itself. Obviously first you need to research the place yourself and then you can start. Break the news to kids and start showing them all the great things you can explore there, show them their new school, close-by parks, and the rest. Research all the kid-friendly amenities and start with that. Try to get them excited. No matter the age surely they have something they desire. If you are moving near Disneyland or Peppa Pig world – use that to your advantage. Don’t worry if the first word that comes from their mouth is the word NO.
What to do if your kids are not happy about your upcoming relocation
For starters, you need to expect it. This is just one of the many challenges parents have. Most kids react this way even if you are just thinking and talking about relocation not moving just yet. There is nothing wrong with that. Don’t react negatively. Try to give them some time to adjust to this new fact. This is all part of the process. Tell them you are afraid of the big change as well but this is going to be good for your family. Tell them this is an adventure for all of you and just give them time. Bigger kids will be sad because of their friends. Explain to them that moving doesn’t mean they can’t stay in touch. Explore all the options and ways they can stay in touch with their best friends like Skype.
Communicate in a simple, direct, and plain manner. Try to be as straightforward as possible. Plan ahead for the questions your kid will ask and have answers ready that are suitable for their age. All of these will help. If you don’t know where you want to move to yet, you should explore the best options for you and your family online. You will find plenty of good solutions while exploring family-friendly cities.
You need to listen as well
Your kids will likely have many concerns and inquiries about the relocation. Engage in conversation, but more importantly, hear them out on their worries as well as their opinions. A lot of us will try to explain our choices to our kids or win them over. While this can be useful, sometimes all our kids really need is for an adult to sit down and talk to them. As was already discussed, it’s normal if your children are reluctant to start a conversation at first. Attempt not to break the awkward quiet. Accept it and hope they’ll come to you instead.
Include them in every aspect of this relocation
This can actually be very helpful. Grown-ups are the ones who made the decision. That can leave them feeling excluded. But there is a way to make sure that they feel in charge as well. Before you start packing you might want to start decluttering your old home. This is how many people start preparing for relocation. Kids above the age of four can even help you. Have them start decluttering their own room. They can throw away any broken toys, ripped clothes, and such. Give them time and while you are working on the rest of the house they can do this chore by themselves. You can also talk to your kids about relocation while decluttering or packing room by room. Start by talking about their new room and how you will set it up. This could get them excited too.
Have other people talk to them about your upcoming relocation as well
This can actually be helpful. Surely, there are some grown-ups your kids love besides you like grandparents, other family members, friends, babysitters, etc. You need to find someone trustworthy. They can talk to your kids about this relocation as well. If the kids see that everybody thinks this is a good idea they might be happier about it. You just need to talk to this grown-up first and find a good approach depending on what worries your little one the most.
Hire professionals so they can handle the hard part and you can focus on your kids
This will take a lot of pressure. Movers will be able to handle every aspect of your relocation like planning, logistics, packing, and the rest. That leaves you enough time to focus on your kids and their needs. Do whatever makes your life easier and remember – your kids will adapt to new surroundings. They just need some extra attention now.
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