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5 Tips for Moving with Kids

Moving makes me shudder. Moving with kids? Possibly the stuff that nightmares are made of! However, there are ways to have a more peaceful move for you and your family while still allowing the proper place for grief. Focusing on the following will help.

1. Downsizing:

There was a time in my life where in a span of nine years, I moved fifteen times! Yes, they were tough but I learned how to downsize! There is something freeing about going through every item you have and deciding whether you really need it or not. The same goes with children!  As you help younger ones go through their toys, you can set aside the ones they haven’t played with in a year or two (in good condition) and tell them how joyful another child will be to get that toy, or those clothes that truly are too small.  It also allows you, as a family, to reminisce about fun times and sharing some laughter! Remember, downsizing is healthy and makes for an easier move.

2. New destination:

Whether it is a new city, state or country, focusing on the exciting things about your new destination will help with the move.  Every few days, spend time in the evenings as a family and research what festivals, museums, and farms are in your new location, and make a bucket list of what you want to see and do when you arrive. The research also helps relieve some stress after packing day after day. And, there is something to look forward to – the hope of something exciting and new.

3. Face Fears:

Kids are going to worry about making new friends – talk about it. Mom and Dad are going to worry about making new friends too – talk about it! As parents, get together and encourage their children on ideas of how to make friends, what clubs to join, and what sports to try. The children can also participate by making suggestions for Mom and Dad! It is amazing what some children will think of: mow a new neighbor’s lawn, have a party, get a bus pass, or volunteer at the pet shelter. The more everyone is open and honest, the more the entire family can support one another and embark on their new journey with confidence.

4. Make a scrapbook:

Right before I left to go overseas, I was given a precious scrapbook of many of my friends and students. It was full of handwritten notes, pictures, and trinkets so I could remember my hometown. As a family, this very well may help with the grieving process.  Make a separate bucket list of things you want to do one more time before you move. As you complete your scrapbook with pictures, stickers, tickets, etc., your family can remember the good times of the home you are leaving behind and be comforted in the weeks and months to come.

5. Stay positive:

I know there are times when the circumstances behind moving are downright terrible, but children don’t need to hear your frustrations and fears on top of their own. Focus on how you can decorate their new room in a new way or how you can now walk to a park and play with other children, instead of by themselves in the backyard. Or how you will be living very close to a yummy pizzeria and smell it all day or plant new flowers next to the new mailbox. Finding the positive is sometimes difficult, the more you encourage your children the more you begin to believe it yourself!

Let’s Talk: Have you ever moved with kids? Share one of your transition tips.

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