Tips for Moving With Children

Helpful Tips for Moving With Children
Moving, whether for a corporate relocation, a cross-country move, or a military relocation, can be tough for anyone, especially children.  If you're finding yourself faced with having to deliver this extremely sensitive news to your young brood, keep reading to discover tips for moving with children.  I actually talked to my 10 year-old to get her take on this topic, and she said the most important thing to her would be to know in advance, which leads to moving first tip:

• Be upfront with your children and let them be in the know!  Your kids want you to be honest with them, and while it may seem like a good idea to hold off on the news as long as possible, they really do want to know.  The longer they know, the more time they have to prepare for this life changing experience.
• Welcome questions they may have about the move.  Let them talk about their feelings and expectations.  Talking through their concerns will help them embrace the move better. 
• Be positive!!  Kids are always watching, and they react to your attitude.  If you have a positive and optimistic outlook about the approaching move then they probably will, too! 
• Involve the kids in the move.  Let them help make decisions about what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss.  Make it a real family event, and give everyone a job to do to prepare for the move. 
• Create an address book listing all of their friends and favorite people so they can keep in touch with them after the move is over.  Be sure to include email addresses so they can chat via the computer as well. 
• Visit favorite places in town before you leave.  Take time to sit down and create a list of their favorite restaurant, shopping area, park, etc., and go to each place before leaving so they can experience the fun one more time before saying goodbye.
• Research the new community!  Get on-line and research your new community before you head out.  Find places you would like to go once you arrive.  Let the kids research their new school and surroundings so they know what to expect.
• Have a "Good-bye Party"!  Let the children help you plan a party to say good-bye to all of their friends.  This will give them a chance to have a little closure in the situation. 

Moving is hard and stressful for everyone, but you can help ease the discomfort for your kids by following these simple tips for moving with children.  Another fun tip to get them excited about their new home is to allow them to start making plans for decorating their new room.  But, more than anything make sure to include them in the process.