You've bought your dream home ~ time to start packing, but don't forget about helping your kids adjust!
If you have children, this new move may bring about many different feelings - some are scared, some are excited, some may even be angry. These are just a few of the feelings kids have about moving. A move isn't easy for anyone, even for adults. Moving for children can be a time for some great new things - like a new room or a new place to explore - it can also be a time that's sad and stressful, too. Here are some ways to make a move a little easier.
Talk, Talk, Talk!
Tell your children immediately about the move. Be honest, tell them why - whether it is because of a new job or to be closer to Grandpa and Grandma. Be positive and enthusiastic and your children will feel that from you. Children need time to adjust and get used to the idea of moving. As we all know, it really is a big deal and the sooner they know, the more time you have to talk over all the questions that they might have. Questions like, what school will I go to? Will I still be able to play baseball and take my guitar lessons?
Be Prepared to Have the Answers!
After you tell your children the great news about the move, most children will have lots of questions. The more you know; the better. Do some investigating ahead of time. You can get online and investigate your new community, or ask your real estate agent for advice on local community resources. If you can help your children connect with the new community personally, it may make things easier. Children will feel less nervous when they know what to expect and may even start to feel excited once they see what lies ahead.
Check It Out!
If you can, take the family for a tour of the new house and area. You can point out all the local parks and activities around your new home. It will give you a chance to let the kids see their new rooms and imagine how they will decorate it. Who knows, they may even run into other kids in the neighborhood and make some new friends. Make it a point to drive by and visit their new schools. You can stop in and meet their new teachers and let them see the activities that their school offers.
It's Hard to Say Goodbye!
It's always sad to say goodbye to friends, family, and neighbors. You can help make it a little easier if you give your children notebooks ahead of time and let them have everyone write down his or her address, phone number, and email address. If you have a camera or video camera, take lots of pictures or videos of friends, favorite places, and your neighborhood. Your children may really enjoy putting together a scrapbook or shoebox full of things that remind them of their hometown and all of their friends.
Get Moving!
The more the merrier! Let children know that you will need their help. Give everyone a responsibility, hand out checklists of things to do and let them know how much you appreciate their help. It is sometimes useful to pack a "first night box" for each family member, especially your children. You can fill these special boxes with everyone's favorite things and things you'll want to have as soon as you get there. This can include personal items such as stuffed animals, photos, and other things that will make you feel at home. It's also a great idea to include things you'll need the first night, such as sheets for your bed, a pillow, pajamas, toothbrush, and other must-haves. Clearly mark these boxes with your names on it so you can grab it when it comes off the moving truck.
The Big Day!
Moving day is usually filled with many different emotions. Your children may cry when they leave your old home (you might too). Be there for extra reassurance that things will be okay. When you get to your new house, unpack your special boxes of favorite stuff. That will help them feel more at home. They can even hang up pictures of their friends and favorite places in their new rooms.
Settling In!
Adjusting to your new home and community might take some time. Let them take it slowly and give the new place a chance. As we all know, starting a new experience is tough and some people adjust right away and some take time. A new house, new school, new friends and neighborhood...be patient. Hopefully little by little, they will feel at home. Try to get them involved in the same types of activities they were previously in whether it may be soccer, ballet, gymnastics etc Or you can try to get them involved in something completely new. There are many ways for you to help your children find new friends; karate lessons, piano, guitar, art classes, etc. - the sky is limit. The more opportunities you give your kids to be involved in, the more your new town will feel like home.
Keep in Touch!
Old and new friends, how cool is that! Have your children use that notebook filled with contact information from your old town to keep connected. Have them send postcards and pictures from your new city and it can be fun to get email or letters from them and to catch up on what's new.
For more home buying and selling advice, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-0859 lindag@cypressgmac.com. Specializing in Tri-Cities Washington Real Estate! Real Estate Services for Kennewick, Richland and Pasco Real Estate! Putting your family first is my #1 priority!
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