People move for all sorts of reasons: job changes, family size, neighborhood changes, divorce, financial concerns or just for adventure! And even though they may have had some input into the process..children do not make the final decision! Consequently, for your children, Moving can be very Traumatic!
The most important step you can take, with children of all ages, is to tell them what is going to happen...as soon as possible. Involve your children in the process. Assign some tasks related to the move allow them to be invested in it. Help them to own it!
Younger children adjust more easily after all Mom and Dad are still the center of their universe! Any insecuritys or stresses can usually be salved by consistant reassurance. Teens on the other hand ....have a difficult time with moving. Mom and Dadare definitely NOT the center of their universe! Their friends are. They often feel their world has come to an end!
There are many publications about moving with kids. A popular one is Moving With Kids:25 Ways to Ease Your Family's Transition to a New Home by Lori Collins Burgan. Two web sites that may prove helpful are Kids Health and Movers Directory. Both have good information about moving with children.
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TIPS FOR YOUTH
- Explain where you are moving to and why
- Tell them what will be "fun" about it (accent the positives!)
- If possible let them choose their own room
- Make a visit to their new school before school starts
- If you are able to arrange the move for Summer Vacation time...check with the local Parks and Recreation Department. They often offer special outings or social get-togethers for different age groups. A great way for your child to met their peers before school begins!
- Assign them a task to help with the move: Have them be responsible for taking care of the pets and packing the pet items. Have them write on or put a star on the boxes holding their belongings so they can find them right away!
TIPS FOR TEENS
- Explain where you are moving to and why
- Have them research their new community, schools and popular attractions on the Internet.
- Let them decorate their own room! (even if you hate it...just try to guide!)
- Have them keep a diary and digital record of the move, the new house and their new room. Something they can send back to their friends at the old place.
- Get them an autograph book or animal to have all their friends sign
- Have them (before you have moved) set up a visit, at your new home,for a best friend to visit for a week or two...something to look forward to!
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Yes...moving can be stressful for the whole family. But it can also be a time for family bonding! After all...the only people in town you know....are yourselves! Take advantage and plan daily outings with the whole family to get to know your surroundings, check out the restaurants, find the best shopping.
Share The Experience and remember Kids are People Too!
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Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Homequest Real Estate, a locally owned, Customer Service oriented Firm.
Joan Publishes a monthly Newsletter "Food For Thought" under the pen name Realtor Sherpa.
(Joan also answers to Miz Maven and Miss Joni.)
Joan works in Buyer and Seller Representation with concentrations in the Merrimack Valley Area and towns surrounding Concord NH - the Capital City.
"I love what I do, and it shows in how I do it"
Having crossed over to the "other side of Middle Age" herself....Joan is an ongoing source of information about local programs, facilities and issues specific to her peers!
Livin' the Life...and Ridin' the Wave
How I convinced her was that I found out that she wanted fantasy, dragons, castles, fairies, that sort of thing. So we bought a poster with two fairies that had the colors she liked and I pointed out that they used black as an accent, not as the main color.
My Plan B was one wall in chalkboard paint. I'm glad plan A worked out.
Lane...interesting point. I never would have guessed that! But since you lived it....
Interesting niche' you've created for yourself! Do you ever get up this way to the Winston Cup?
William...actually I was thinking I might look into it a little more and do a follow up because you are right it does really affect kids and todays society seems to be a lot more transient!
You sound like this may have hit close to home?
Wonderful and very informative post, Joan. This is excellent info for all of our clients and customers and something that is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of buying and selling.
thanks so much for addressing this very important subject.
Jo
Thanks Joan. I moved a number of times, but it was always during the summer. Usually my parents picked the end of the summer though... so school was soon after the move.
I wouldn't mind going up there, but a NASCAR race would be a bonus. Although, the sound of 43,000 horsepower is pretty fun... with earplugs.