Moving from one home to another can be hard on your family, especially if it is the first move that is being made. While emotions are on edge, it is important that you try to keep everyone connected and happy about the upcoming move. Before you give up and simply throw the towel in, remember that you are moving to start a new life somewhere and make new memories. Below, we will go over some way that you can mentally and emotionally prepare your family for an upcoming move.
- Let Them Know Early On
Would you like to be told a week or two before you move that you are moving? No and neither would your children. Once you know that you are moving for sure, let everyone in the house know. This will allow each of your children to come to terms with the idea that they are leaving their friends and life behind. The more time you allow everyone to adjust to the move, the better and easier it becomes.
- Think of the Positives
If you notice that everyone is down and out about the move, take some time to sit down as a family and think about the positives of the move. For example, new friends, a new home, new adventures. There are many great things about making a move. To help your children stop focusing on the negatives, make sure the positives are apparent.
- Have a Going Away Party
While you do not want to call it a goodbye party, a see you later or going away party is the perfect way to celebrate the end of special memories and the beginning of new memories. The going away party should involve your family, friends, and children’s friends. Make it a big event and include your neighbors. Everyone will be able to reminisce about good times while you envision your future in your new home. Also, the going away party will provide everyone an opportunity to spend time with those that they will miss.
- Go Out and Explore the New City
The only way to become comfortable with something new is to learn more about it, right? This holds true even with your move. You and the family should take some time to go explore the new city and discover the local landmarks. Chances are, you nor your family have explored this city before or visited the local museums and restaurants. Make it a family day and head to the local zoo and grab a bite to eat on the way home.
If you are moving to a new city, make sure that you take time to prepare your family for the move. Not everyone will be as excited about the move as you are, so provide them with the comfort and reassurance that they need leading up to the move. Remember, you can always help boost everyone’s spirit about moving by turning packing into a game or doing fun things together as a family.