As we keep saying, moving is a stressful time for everyone, but moving with children can make it even more difficult. Children might not understand the reasons why you’re moving and it can make the process a strain on the parent or parents.
All children will see is their home being abandoned and their friends living miles and miles (even if it’s not) away. There are a few things to watch out for if you’re moving with children and think it might be affecting them:
- New habits that haven’t come up before, like thumb sucking or clinging
- Aggression
- Problems sleeping
- Lethargy
- Headaches or stomach aches
- Trouble concentrating
If you notice any of these factors in your child or children, there are some different techniques you can try to reassure them. The things you can do vary depending on their age.
Moving with children over 5
Involve the children in the process and they will feel much better.
Visit the new house: If you can visit the house before they move, bring the children and show them their new room and ask them how they would like it decorated.
Give them tasks: Children love tasks that we as adults find tedious. Let them pack their own things and label the boxes so they feel like they’re helping.
Let them say goodbye: It’s important for children to say goodbye to their friends. Make sure you leave enough time for this.
Find new things to do: Get your child or children involved in new activities, like after school clubs. Eventually they’ll find something they really enjoy doing, and you should encourage them to carry on.
Don’t forget hugs: Don’t forget to carry on reassuring them that everything is going to be fine and that you’re keeping them safe.
Moving with teenagers
Moving with teenage children can be a bit more challenging. They will understand why you’re moving but, understandably, will still be sad that they’re leaving their friends. Here are some things you can do to make it easier:
Talk with them: Make them feel involved and talk to them about why you’re moving. See what they think about it. Let them say their piece, and ensure that they know that everything is under control and that they can go to you for support.
Give good time to say goodbye: Perhaps even more important than with small children, teens will have already made lots of friends so need to say goodbye. Let them have enough time. Luckily, with social media, they should be able to stay in contact.
Move over the summer holidays: If you can, moving in the summer holidays will be much more beneficial to teenagers. Their studies shouldn’t be affected, and they won’t have to make friends with new pupils in the middle of term time.
Help with homework: Even if you move in the summer, it’s worth helping your child out with their studies. Moving will be stressful and the effects can last longer than just the initial phase.
Look out for depression: Mental health issues often start in the teens, and a significant event like moving could trigger depression. Talk to your child about how they’re feeling since the move, and watch out for unusual signs of depression, silence and lethargy.
Give them space: If you’ve got a teenager you’ll know how important it is to let them have their independence. Treat them like an adult so they feel like you understand them.
Moving with children will be stressful, but as long as you deal with it effectively it won’t be as bad as you imagine. And you can take away some of the stress by hiring a professional removal company to help you move everything.