Once you have bought your new Oakland home, it is important to make plans for moving, so that your children can make the transition as easily as possible. Moving can be stressful for parents, and often more so for children. This is particularly true if you are changing schools, or moving quite a distance from your old neighborhood. Here are some ways to ease the transition--especially for toddlers and preschoolers:
1. Make all explanations about moving clear, simple, and easy to understand. If the children are very young, maybe put the event in a story form, using toy trucks and furniture that the child can manipulate. It will encourage questions that you can answer on their terms.
2. When the time comes to pack the childrens' toys, explain that these toys are not being thrown or given away, but will be waiting for them at their new home. Make it a game to see how cleverly they can pack the boxes. Involve them in the decisions about what items will go in which box.Â
3. If the new home is vacant, and nearby, take the child to see his/her new room. Perhaps take a few toys along to place in the room ahead of time, so they know that these items will be waiting for them when they arrive.Â
4. Hold off doing a major makeover of the new room. If the child is very young, or very anxious about the move, try to bring as much of his personal furniture as possible, and possibly arrange it in a similar way in the new bedroom. You can change things at the pace that is most comfortable for him.Â
5. Arrange for your toddler or preschooler to stay with a close family member or friendly babysitter on moving day.
Since a new home should be a fresh start for the family, these suggestions should make the beginning of the path easier for the little ones.Â
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Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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