At sometime in our lives, we have all had to move from one home to another. Some people may just move from a Berkeley home to an Oakland home, while others need to move cross country. When we make the preparations to sell one home and buy another, it is very easy to get caught up with all the financial and operational details involved in making this very important transition. Very often, because of so many intersecting events during this time, young children are left out of the planning stage, and are asked to make some major adjustments at a very confusing time.
Below are some common sense suggestions that can make the whole event a lot easier. (One note, however, is that if the move is preceded by a stressful event such as a death, divorce or financial trauma causing the loss of the house, it would be a good idea to consult with the child's pediatrician for more professional advice.)
1. Keep all explanations about the move simple and positive. Stress the benefits that will come to them by having the new home. Let them ask lots of questions.
2. Take them by the new home as much as you can, so they will become comfortable with it. Let them begin to take a few things in early if possible, so they can find familiar things when they move in.
3. If they are old enough, let them have a role in the color and style of their new room. If possible, get new pillows and bedspreads and/or posters with one of their favorite Disney or television favorites. If they are really young, consider keeping the format from the old home the same for the first few weeks, so that things don't seem too strange in the new place. The goal is to make them feel safe and secure in a new and unfamiliar home, and have them feel it is their own.
4 As appropriate, let them participate in some planning or packing regarding their very special toys. There will be some that they want to know will be safe and included in the transition. You can have fun by letting them decorate their boxes or pack their special things in a fun way, so when they are unpacked, the children know just where to look to find them when things are being unpacked.Â
5. Find a babysitter for the big day. There will be a lot going on, and it will not be a safe enviornment for little ones. If you have a particularly loving family member who will care for them, that would be ideal. Plan a fun event or lunch for them to look forward to.Â
In summary, plan with the children in mind. It is a big day for them, too!
Â
Â
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
Leave A Comment