How to Help Your Children Cope With Moving Anxiety
Moving is one of the most stressful and challenging life events you’ll ever have.
That said, as an adult, you’re able to process the extreme change that comes with moving and find ways to handle it. But, figuring out how to help your children cope with moving anxiety can be a bit more complicated.
Children, especially younger kids, don’t always understand what a move means, and a new, unfamiliar setting can be more scary than exciting.
Fortunately, there are plenty of little things you can do to help ease your child’s fears and help them process your move.
How to Assist Your Children Cope With Moving Anxiety
Here are a few simple tips and tricks to use to help your children get a little more comfortable with the idea of moving and living in a new home.
Communication Is Key
While children are still learning, they understand a bit more than we often think.
Before you start packing up the house, take some time to sit down with them and explain what a move is, how it’s going to work, and how it’s going to affect them.
Answer all of their questions, show them pictures of the new house, and, if you’re moving particularly far, show them where their new home will be on a map.
While you should be gentle, don’t lie or avoid talking about the downsides of moving, such as switching schools or leaving friends. You want to give them as much time to process the move as you can, so sit down with them as soon as possible.
Stay Positive
Children look to parents for behavioral or social cues. So, one of the easiest ways to help ease the stress that comes with moving is by acting the way you want them to feel.
When you’re with your children, stay positive, and act excited about moving. If your kids see your enthusiasm, odds are they’ll meet it.
Stick to Your Routines
Change is hard on kids, so you should do everything in your power to minimize how the move affects their day-to-day lives.
While packing can get hectic, stick to your children’s’ bedtimes and daily routines as much as you can. Doing this will help maintain a semblance of normalcy, which will help them stay calm.
Get Them Involved
One fun way to help your child understand the packing process is by letting them join in.
When it comes time to pack up your child’s toys and belongings, teach them how to do it, and let them help. Once you arrive in your new home, let them help unpack and set up their new room.
Acknowledge Their Feelings
As we said before, moving can be hard on everyone. So, even if you do everything you can to make the process as easy and fun as possible, there’s a good chance your child may still have a meltdown.
If that happens, don’t ignore their feelings. While it’s hard to watch your child be in pain, allow them to grieve and process their fear and sadness on their terms, don’t try to rush them.
Allow them to say goodbye and have closure with favorite friends and places.
Getting Ready to Move With Kids
Unfortunately, when it comes to figuring out how to help your children cope with moving anxiety, there are no simple answers or instant cure-alls.
But by following these tips, you might be able to make this challenging process a bit less uncomfortable for the entire family.
Are you looking for a little more moving advice?
Check out the rest of our blog, or contact our moving specialists to schedule a consultation today.
