Moving into a new home for younger children can trigger a variety of emotions—some children will be excited to have a new space to live in and explore, while others will heavily miss the rooms they have grown comfortable in. While the initial idea of change can be rough for some kids, there are ways to help ease the transition, and even get them excited for the move. Here are six ways to help your children adapt to your new home:
- Sit and talk
Before you begin to trade spaces, sit and talk with your children about what to expect. Explain how they will have a different room, new neighbors, and maybe even a new school to make friends at in the best way for them to understand. Then, give them time to process the news, being open to any questions they may have in return.
- Be excited!
Children often mimic the emotions of their parents, so if your child sees you excited about moving, they are more likely to be excited, too! Instead of missing their old backyard, they can be happy about the front yard with the giant climbing tree. If you’re looking forward to the changes of the future, it makes those changes less scary.
- Give room for emotions
Even if you’re visibly excited about the move, your children may still be sad about it—and that’s ok! Change is tough, so give room to your child’s initial reaction, and help them understand why you’re moving and what to expect.
- Let them explore
Before you move all of your furniture and belongings into your new home, let your children explore! Give them a tour, or let them wander freely throughout the house to get comfortable with the new space, their new room, and the neighborhood.
- Make decorating fun
Picking out paint colors, new furniture, or even new bedsheets together can help get your child comfortable with their new home. Being able to personalize their new room or help decorate the rest of the house allows your child to feel connected to the new house.
- Keep up the schedule
After you’ve moved in, stick to the routines that you’ve established in your old home – having the same bedtimes, homework hours and sports schedules can help show your children that even though their house has changed, the rest of their life is still as they’ve always known it to be.
Moving from one home to another is never easy, for parents or for children. Using these tips can help transition your child from your old home, and get them settled in and comfortable in their new home.