Moving into a new home can be one of the biggest changes that a family can face, especially for young children. It is therefore essential to take them into cansideration.
Young Children
Minimise changes to your child's routine and avoid any other new experiences such as toilet training, new foods or a new pet until such time as they have settled into your new home.
Older Children
Assist your children to say goodbye to friends by encouraging them to have a party or an informal get together.
It is improtant to gather information from contacts about the new community. Your local First National Real Estate office can assist you with this.
Make contact with clubs or sports organisations that your family would be interested in. Highlight any excellent facilities that were not available in the old neighbourhood.
Contact the new school for information on their achievements and programs. Some prefer to have their children looked after while they are packing and organising however, sometimes, parents are better off involving their children in the move as much as possible.
Above all, try and keep life as normal as possible, Concentrate on the postivies but try to understand their feelings as well.
Involve your young child in the move by encouraging them to pack at least one box of their own. Personalise your child's boxes by providing labels, stickers, and rubber stamps to mark the boxes.
Create a storybook of the move by taking photographs of various stages. Keep in mind that young children live in the present. Don't be surprised if moving in the week/s ahead has little meaning to them.
Planning is Important
With appropriate and sentive planning, relevant changes can be positive for every member of your family.
The following are a few points to consider:
- Prepare your children for the move by providing them with plenty of information about the reaons for moving and ensure they are aware of what they can expect in their new home.
- Invite children to talk about their feelings with you. Listen to what they have to say and assure them that you understand any concerns.
- Try not to take it personally if your child has trouble adjusting to the move and blames you for causing it. Try to explain that sometimes big decisions acnnot be avoided.
- Focus on the positive aspects of your new home, neighbourhood and community.
- Avoid being over optimistic and insisting everything will be wonderful. Even if the new home is fantastic, it may still take time for them to adjust.
- Don't forget to share your feelings with someone - adults need support as well.
To contact a Property Consultant at Bethlehem First National click here.
