Moving is a stressful life change that can leave you feeling drained. Factor in moving with young children of any age and the stress quotient only rises. However, with thoughtful planning, this time can be one of excitement in new beginnings for all involved.
Donate Old Items
This is the time to enlist children’s help in deciding what needs to stay or go. There is no sense in moving old toys, games and stuffed animals that are no longer used or loved. Children can have a great time helping with a yard sale or learning how to give their belongings away to those who do not have as much as they do.
Get Help
Parents should take advantage of grandparents, friends and neighbors who offer to help with meals or babysitting at this time. Packing boxes and moving vans requires a great deal of focus. Most kids would rather play at a neighbor’s house rather than watch parents pack anyway.
Have a Moving Party
Kids can have a hard time saying goodbye to a home and friends to which they have become attached. Parents can spend a couple hours hosting a party to which they invite friends and neighbors. No need to make it complicated or expensive; parents can keep it simple with a simple veggies and dip or chips and dip tray.
Create a Scrapbook
To help kids remember their old home, parents can create a scrapbook. This can be filled with pictures, mementos, drawings, email addresses or anything else that will help their child feel connected and safe as well as remember their old friends.
Consider the Neighborhood
While choosing the ideal home is a must for those considering how many bedrooms and bathrooms they will need, the neighborhood is equally important. The neighborhood is composed of many parts that will all impact children’s lives at one point, including nearby parks, play areas, vicinity to busy streets and more. In addition, parents should thoroughly investigate the school district for student-teacher ratios, national test scores and parent satisfaction. Talk with realtors at Gloria Nilson & Co. in Red Bank to find out what areas work best for your family.
Most children feel emotional upheaval when they move to a new home, whether the move is nearby or far away. Helping children to adjust to these changes can take time but is well worth the effort. In addition, searching for a great neighborhood and school district will ensure that children enjoy their new home and can quickly fit in to the area.
