Moving is no doubt stressful on its own, but when you have to move with a house full of small kids, this takes the stress level up a notch. Are you in the process of relocating with your family? Check out these five tips to make your residential move go more smoothly.
1. Research the Schools
Choosing a new school for your child in a new city is overwhelming. If you’re unclear where to start, consider the type of child you have, what they want to get out of school, how they do their best learning, etc. This will assist you in deciding between a large public school and a smaller private one that may have a lower student to teacher ratio with more individual focus, for example.
Obtain your child’s current immunization records from their doctor, sending them to their new school before you move. From their new teachers, get a school supply list so you can be prepared.
2. Make an After-School Plan
Working full-time? Begin researching after-school programs for your children once they are dismissed from school each day. Ask teachers or school administrators if there are any programs in the community, such as private day cares, Boys and Girls Clubs of America or the YMCA.
Got a child who’s old enough to let themselves in the house after school? Make up a key for them and review all house rules.
3. Explore the Neighborhood
After settling in to your new house, go exploring. Take a walk around the block, check out the museums and galleries, locate the fun trampoline spots, learn where the local movie theater is, and go to story time at the library. Get outside your comfort zone, reach out to new people, and encourage your kids to introduce themselves to their new pint-sized neighbors. It may be easy for kids to make new friends, but for parents, it can be tough. Sign up to volunteer at school events, shoot the breeze with fellow parents during field trips, assist with classroom parties, and consider joining the PTA.
Get your kids involved in playdates so you can both meet new people. When holding a playdate, especially with really young kids, is to set up clear start and stop times, with a limited number of children attending. This will keep melt downs to a minimum.
4. Don’t Ignore the Social and Emotional Factors
Keep in mind your little ones may really be feeling the anxiety of how out-of-control their new world is. On top of the physical stress of moving their bedrooms and playrooms, they are faced with handling the social changes and emotional effects that all come with it. And on top of that, they may very likely have to contend with continued online learning due to the pandemic. This all equals a lot of stress for those little shoulders to carry around.
Your kids may not share their insecurities with you, but what they will act out in anger, bad moods, silence or depression. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, inside your child could be feeling:
- Apprehension associated with events triggering the move, such as financial strains, divorce or parental job relocation.
- A sense of insecurity and fear about how they will make new friends, or if they will be liked and accepted.
- Academic stress when changing schools and teachers, as well as new standards, policies, curricula and online learning parameters.
- Loss over leaving their lifelong friends, teachers, neighbors, and their physical home.
As a parent, it’s critical that you remain conscious of how this move affects your kids, not just how it affects you. Sit down with them, ask them to open up about concerns, maybe make their favorite meal to set the stage for discussion.
5. Have Family Discussions
Conduct many family discussions about the transition, taking them as opportunities to talk about their feelings in a comfortable, nurturing, non-judgmental environment. Bring them to a park near the new house, introduce them to gyms, exercise classes or the local theater. Make a scrapbook with them of all their best memories in their old home. Help them regain some semblance of control by giving them tasks to be in charge of.
Contact Olde World Movers
Facing an impending move in the Dallas or Fort Worth area with school-aged children? Our professionals will bring the equipment and supplies necessary to get you moved quickly and efficiently so you can concentrate on helping your kids in making a smooth transition. For a free estimate, contact us.
