Making your Encinitas Move Easier for your Kids

No matter how excited you are to move into your new home in Encinitas, that joy may not be shared by your children. Moving into a new house, especially if it is located in a different school district, can be especially hard on kids. Since you no doubt want to make the transition as smooth on your children as possible, I’ve put together a few ways to make moving into your new home in Encinitas easier on your kids.

Be Honest with Them
Your children should be aware of your intent to move as soon as you begin looking for a new house. Don’t wait until the last minute to tell your kids that they’re moving, as they will need time to process this information. Explain how their lives will change due to the move, and listen to their feelings on the matter. Even if they are unhappy with the move, knowing that you are being open and honest about the situation will make the transition easier in the long run.

Get Them Familiar with the New House Before you Move
Once you have found a few houses that you are interested in, bring your kids with you to view the homes. Show them around, and tell them your plans for the layout of their new home. If your new home has multiple bedrooms beside the master bedroom, let them pick out their own room. Seeing the potential a new home offers could make them excited for the move, and at the very least will ease their uncertainty.

Involve Your Kids in the Move
Sometimes when a child moves into a new home, they feel as though they’re another piece of property that needs to be transported. If your children are old enough, let them pack for themselves. Give them a checklist of what needs to be packed up, and “supervise” their efforts. Allowing your children to pack up their own belongings can make them feel as if they are an active participant in the move. You can also assign them specific tasks on moving day, like being in charge of carrying their own belongings. One parent suggested having a child be responsible for protecting something you plan to move separately, like the family photo album. This lets your child feel like an important part of the process.

Accommodate Their Needs
Once you’re in your new home, make sure to accommodate your child’s needs. Younger children are often frightened by sleeping in an unfamiliar house, and could benefit from a nightlight or some additional TLC. Older children who are moving away from friends often feel as though the life they knew is over. If possible, arrange for visits from their old friends, and organize weekend sleepovers. You can also take advantage of modern technology with video chat programs like Skype.

Let them Personalize Their New Room
Remember, a new home isn’t just a fresh start for you, but for your children as well. Letting them arrange their new room to their liking can provide your children with a place in your new home that is their own. Adventurous parents sometimes let their kids paint their new room, though plenty of supervision and plastic sheeting is always a good idea.

By Linda Moore

To top ⬆