Moving into a new home brings with it a lot of emotions, particularly for families moving with children. Excitement and enthusiasm are coupled with anxiety and apprehension as to whether the kids will take to the new home and neighborhood. Carefully preparing children for the move, both practically and psychologically, will help ease the transition and make the process smoother and more enjoyable for the entire family.

Finding a New Home

Communicate. Maintain an open dialogue with children about the decision to move to a new house. Engaging them at the beginning of the process will give them time to get used to the idea and ultimately accept the change. Explain the reasons behind the move, and answer questions truthfully. However, early discussion does not mean it is necessary to haul them to every single home being considered, especially very young children. Once the choices have been narrowed down to perhaps two or three, bring them to the homes so they can begin to feel familiar with new surroundings.

Listen. Listening to what children are saying about the move is just as important as talking to them about it. By paying close attention to their statements and reactions, parents can alleviate any fears. This is especially important for school-age children and teenagers who may be reluctant to leave their friends and classmates. Avoid being dismissive of their social concerns; acknowledge them and remind them about the new opportunities that await them. Focusing on the positives of the move may help settle down anxious children.

Explore. After deciding on a new home, Robinson Prestige Properties can help your family discover your new neighborhood. Your agent can point out the playgrounds, community centers, recreation areas and other areas important to the kids and help make the environment seem more familiar.

Say Goodbye. Often times leaving old relationships is one of the toughest things to deal with as a child. Think of fun and creative ways for your children to say goodbye to friends like having a pizza party or make your own sunday party. Involve them in creating ways to continue there relationships, collect addresses, email, and phone numbers from friends or take your child and a close friend out shopping for matching stationary. The most important thing is to let you child know that moving does not mean that a relationship must end.

The Trip There

Excite. Create anticipation for the big move by starting a countdown calendar with perhaps a photo or illustration of you new home. Let kids pack their own bags. Decide what type of clothing (preferably loose and comfortable), but allow them to choose their favorites and to pack a special toy. In a carry-on bag, pack some hard candies and gum, hand wipes, tissues, books, paper, markers in a small, tightly sealed plastic bag and perhaps a surprise toy for each child.

Comfort. Make it comfortable by bringing pillows and blankets. If traveling by car stop frequently at rest stops to stretch and make use of restrooms. Play games like "I Spy.” Make sure a travel bag is stocked with paper, pencils, plenty of engaging toys and tapes or CDs of their favorite songs or books. Most importantly, keep children involved in the process. Save special trinkets such as: tickets, pictures, notes, flowers, etc. from the old house, your move, and new house, have children paste them into a scrapbook.

Moving In

Reassure. Pack up the kids' rooms last to minimize disruption. The longer they feel secure in their own rooms, the easier the transition will be. Then, set up their new bedrooms first so they feel like they're back in familiar surroundings. And do not completely redecorate the kids' rooms in the new home; maintain continuity so the kids feel secure. It is very important to return to normal routines as quickly as possible, so set up the kitchen second. Try to serve meals at the same times as before, so there is not too much change all at once for the kids.

Engage. Show the children all of the other rooms in the new home and let them participate to a degree in decorating decision-making. By accepting input on decoration, parents will make their kids feel like they are part of the process.

Surprise. Arrange for special treats to be waiting for everyone at the new house. New games or new cuddly friends will keep the kids busy during unpacking and make the first memory of the new house a pleasant one.