Making a Move Positive for Kids
After the hard work of packing, this is the fun part of family moving. It's when the adventure begins for your kids in their new home as they discover all kinds of wonderful surprises. Here are tips for moving kids into the new home.
1. Make a positive good-bye to the old home and community - Make sure you say a proper good bye to the house and visit all the places you love locally.
2. Plan a welcoming ritual for your new home – Have something exciting planned for when you move in so the kids are looking forward to it.
3. Have everyone's "survival necessities" where you can find them immediately in the new home – make sure all the favourite toys and anything you might need straight away is there and ready for use.
4. Re-establish family routines, like mealtimes and bedtimes, right away - This will help younger children, in particular, who need more consistency. It also sends the important message to all members that you are the same family, just in a new setting.
5. Prioritize the unpacking process - You didn't pack in a day, so don't try to unpack in one either. Make your first priority setting up the kids rooms to help get them comfortable. Put the kitchen, bathroom(s), family room and other high-use rooms at the top of the list.
6. Allow the kids some say in setting up their bedrooms - This is truly their space in the new home, so let them claim it. At least let them chose where their bed goes.
7. Help your children feel comfortable in their new rooms - Take time to talk about how this room is similar to the child's old room and how it's different. Help your child discover the good things about this new room.
8. Get familiar with the new neighborhood - This is important for comfort and safety. You want your kids to know as quickly as possible the boundaries of where they can go and where they can't venture beyond. Taking walks together is the best way to uncover new things.
9. Help your pets settle in - Cats do best when you confine them to one room in the new home. Give them opportunities to explore further but don't push. In general, don't let cats or dogs roam immediately.
10. Remember, "make new friends but keep the old." - Be active in helping your children make friends in your new community. At the same time, support their need to hold onto their old friends.
Glossary of Property Terms
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