Moving? Tips to help your children settle in
Category Lifestyle
Moving to a new place can be quite overwhelming for children. Aside from the unsettling days of packing, they are forced to say goodbye to their friends in some cases and the comfort of a place they call home. As a parent, you want the best for your child. Taking their feelings into consideration during a move may help ease this transition in your child's life.
Here are a few ways to help your children settle in:
Be open about the move
We may think that children are too young to understand, but they have the ability to read a situation and your actions. The initial step to helping your child is to sit them down and explain that you will be moving to a new place, instead of just surprising them with the news.
Whether you are leaving the area for a new job or going down the road for a better home, being open will help them understand your reasons. Let your children know that they can come to you at any point to talk or to ask for advice.
Unpack boxes together
Unpacking boxes together will allow you to spend more time with each other at the new house. Especially if your children not happy, this will initiate a sense of belonging as you decorate each room together. Ask their opinions about where things should be. Unpacking and organizing your children's rooms can also be fun. It will help them readjust and feel more at home.
Cook a family meal once you have settled in
Once you have unpacked and feel at ease in your new home you can prepare a delicious meal. Get the children to assist you in the preparation of the food. Cooking their favourite dish will give them a sense of comfort. Sitting around the table will give you all some time to reconnect and talk about what they like or dislike about the new house.
Explore the neighbourhood
Don't let your children or yourself be cooped up in the new house unpacking and organising all the time. Take a drive to the convenience store to get a few snacks. Visit the park - take your dog along too for some fresh scenery. Talk to new people and find out if there are exciting activities that your children can get involved in. They may be intrigued by what the neighbourhood has to offer.
Get back into old routines
Children have the knack for responding positively to a routine. Getting back into old routines as soon as possible can bring in a sense of familiarity for your children. They will start to feel more at home in the new place.
Prepare for the first day of school
If your child is attending a new school it would be a good idea to be extra prepared. If it is possible, take your child along to see what the school is like before the first day. They will have a mental image of what to expect on the big day. Be sure to check their stationery, uniform, and make sure they have everything they need.
When they get back home have a chat and check on how the first day went. Provide encouragement and advice if they had a bad day. Even if it was the best day of their life, a helpful ear is always appreciated.
Moving away from your old life does have its effects on children. Helping them cope with such a transition at the offset will avoid any complications later. Get in touch with Seeff Hillcrest and Kloof today and we will help your family find the perfect home that you all are sure to love.
Author: Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof
