Make Moving a Great Memory for Kids

Sep 15
07:09

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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Moving is one of the most stressful life events for a family, and if you are in a profession that is likely to have you transferring as your career grows, it is inevitable. One of the most worrisome parts of this life event is how to prepare your children. Read on to learn more.

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Moving is one of the most stressful life events for a family,Make Moving a Great Memory for Kids  Articles and if you are in a profession that is likely to have you transferring as your career grows, it is inevitable. One of the most worrisome parts of this life event is how to prepare your children, and while it is true that children are resilient, how a move is handled can be a horrible childhood memory. Take these few precautions in preparing your children to help make a smooth transition. 

Summer seems to be transplant season for families, but sometimes a mid-year move just cannot be avoided. Timing the news just right can be difficult. Too much lead time can cause a child to withdraw from his friends and activities in a detachment effort. Too little will cause chaos and often behavior issues as the child tries to make sense of what is happening. While you know your child best, if you struggle with the timing issue, you might consider enlisting the help of school counselor or teacher to help you help your child.

If your family will be moving frequently as a part of your profession, you may want to check into homeschooling. This raging trend is a great stability tool for those who find themselves on the move often. While surroundings, churches, friends, and neighbors change, your kids can rest knowing that school will always be the same, and since school is often the hub of a child’s life, this decision can make other transitions seemingly non-existent.

Once you know your destination, do not arrive blindly. Make the entire utility hook up calls in advance. Electric and water service are musts, and cable and internet upon arrival will be blissful. But do not stop there. Make several calls to area churches conducting phone interviews discussing your needs and wants for a church, and make a list of ones to visit. If church is an integral part of your life, this can help you to slide right into a congregation that will make you feel at home. Plan an arrival itinerary like you would plan a vacation and market it to your children. Getting them excited about local theme parks and museums will help their acceptance tremendously. 

Consider buying a local zoo or museum pass prior to moving day, check the local theatres and plan on seeing the kid flick de jour your first weekend in town. 

Get your little one excited about decorating his/her new room. Spend some time creating a theme and drawing designs with crayons and markers, then plan on trying to make the design come true with some one on one time shopping and putting your ideas to work. Think of the things that excite you about your endeavor, and share them with your kids at their own level.

When the big day comes, let the kids help with packing. It’s a control issue. If they can put things in a box, load the box on the truck, and see it come off the truck, they will feel more a part of this whole idea and are likely to help more than hinder the excitement. 
Making a great adventure will make great memories.