Moving can be a memorable adventure but also is an adjustment. Here are some ways to help the family cope.
Moving from one place to another can be a memorable adventure but can also be a time of profound stress. Whether it is a relocation across town or across the ocean,
the same feelings occur and will need a bit of proactive stocking up on coping tools. Without a few strategies, family members can suffer, become weepy, uncooperative and, in turn, make the whole transition more challenging than it needs to be. Here are some ways to help your family members adjust to moving.
Focus on the positive aspects of the new locale. It is a great idea to gather information about the new neighborhood, town, state or country. What are all the best things about it? Some examples are amusement parks, gorgeous landscapes, museums, seasonal changes, shopping venues and restaurants. Assemble a folder or poster board where photos and news clips about these places can be glued on and shared with each other. Focusing on the positive makes it feel like embarking on a long term vacation rather than leaving a place they know and love. There are multiple wonderful things about every location. Find out what they are and celebrate them.
Go for a trial run and visit. It is always best to have a visual of what’s coming up in the future. Take the entire gang to stay in a hotel near the new abode and explore it. Eat in great restaurants, stroll the neighborhood you are planning to move to, drive by schools so the kids can take a look. Fear of the unexpected is fueled by having no idea of what to expect. Seeing the great new home environment can let each person rest in knowledgeable anticipation.
Plan to stay reconnected to the old home environment. Before even moving away, it’s wise to make some plans for kids and family members to reconnect with those they will be leaving behind. Exchanging email or street addresses and planning for long distance phone calls and visits ahead of time will make it a lot easier to let go because it won’t be so final. Making arrangements for the old friends to come visit at the new place is a comforting gesture, as well.
Make memory books with the family. During the final leg of stay at the old address, supply the kids with scrap books, disposable cameras and writing tools. Let them photograph all their “favorites” such as friends, rooms in the house, shops, school chums and teachers, etc. Allow for “autograph” space in the scrap books so that the old friends can sign a “best wishes” salutation.
Take care of your pets. Take the family pets to the vet to make sure all shots are up to date and that the animals are ready for traveling. If they will be carried along in a carrier, sedatives to help them transport comfortably may be in order. Make sure kids know that Fluffy and Rover will be coming along to the new home as well.
Performing some proactive steps and having extra TLC available to all family members will make moving feel more like a grand adventure than a disciplinary action. Attitude and coping skills are everything.
