Moving With Children
Prudential Sussex Realty
children. The impact the move will have on kids usually is
age-related. Babies, toddlers and young children tend to deal well with moving,
while adolescents may resent and resist the move. Here are a few timeless tips
that may help all families on the move:
- Clearly
explain why you’re moving. Children like to be in the loop and talking to
them about the move, what it means and what it will entail can help limit
move-related anxiety.
- Familiarize
the children with the new location by providing them with exciting
information about the area. Some useful tools include maps, news stories
and pictures. Highlight some of the location’s points of interest that you
think your children will appreciate, like an amusement park or nearby
lake.
- Make
sure everyone has packed and clearly labeled their most-used items and
keep these items easily accessible. For a small child, this could include
a few favorite toys or a security item. Older kids may not be able to
survive without certain electronics or favorite clothing items.
Moving Babies and
Toddlers
Babies and toddlers typically are easy to move, but they also
can become confused or scared. Consider the following tips for them:
·
Pack
their rooms last and keep favorite toys and other must-haves close at hand.
·
Try
to stick to established routines like lunchtime and naptime.
·
Once
in the new house, young children may need to be reminded about which household
appliances are dangerous and other safety precautions or rules they learned at
the previous house.
Moving Preschoolers and
School-Age Children
Kids this age can get excited about moving and may be eager
to help. If you’re moving with school-age children, consider the following
tips:
- Let
the children help pack their own rooms and once you’re in the new house,
let them help decorate and arrange their new rooms.
- Locate
the recreational facilities and children’s group activity centers. Once
you’re in the new location, enrolling your children in group activities
can help them quickly make new friends.
Moving Adolescents
Adolescents
are deeply involved in their social network. Child development experts suggest
these kids receive news of the move as soon as possible. They will need more
time to get used to idea and to say good-bye to their friends. Some other tips
to consider:
- Spend
time together getting to know the new area by driving around and noticing
what other kids are doing and wearing. Discuss how you can help your child
“fit in.”
- If
your child is a senior in high school, some child-development experts
suggest letting the child stay behind to finish the school year. These
experts emphasize that this decision only makes sense if your child’s
living conditions will be appropriate and safe.
Moving is an exciting time when
families tend to work together to make sure the adventure goes smoothly. Your
real estate professional has helped many families move and is a great resource
for more information about moving with children.
David Valente can be
reached at 604-984-9711. Prudential Sussex Realty is an independently owned and
operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential
Financial company. Equal Housing
www.davidvalente.com