So your family has decided to move. Congratulations! A move can be extremely exciting, and can serve as a fresh start for each and every member of your family. However, while relocating may be in your family’s best interest, it can be difficult, especially for children. Whether they’re preschoolers or teenagers, kids often have trouble saying goodbye to their old homes, friends and neighborhoods, which can make it difficult for them to settle into new surroundings. Thankfully, there are ways parents can help. Keep reading to find out how.

Communication

When it comes to making family choices, children are often left out of the decision-making process. Therefore, when faced with a move or other big changes, kids often feel powerless, or like their voices aren’t being heard. To prevent those feelings of powerlessness, make an effort to include your children in the decisions that affect them. And while you may not be able to accommodate each one of your children’s wishes, you can make them feel like they’re part of the conversation. Here are some tips on talking to your children about moving:

• Hear them out. Your kids may have some pretty strong opinions on relocating, and, at first, their arguments may be pretty emotional. It’s perfectly natural for children to have a less-than-positive reaction to such a big change, so let them speak their minds. Better yet, encourage them to communicate openly and honestly; odds are, they’ll come around eventually.
• Answer their questions. Your kids will probably have lots of questions regarding the big move. Try to answer them as honestly and succinctly as possible.
• Stay positive. When discussing a move with your children, try to stay positive and upbeat. If you’re excited about relocating, maybe your children will mirror your positive attitude.

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Researching and Planning

When you’re planning a family move, researching your new city and neighborhood can help alleviate moving-related anxieties. If you’re not moving far, taking a day trip to your new town can help you get a feel for the place; if you’re moving long-distance, get online and find out all there is to know about your future surroundings. Once you’ve researched your new neighborhood, have your kids make a list of all the sites they’d like to see; when you arrive and get settled, visit those places together.

It can also help to let children make plans for your new family home. Encourage their input on things like outdoor space and communal areas, and give them the freedom to design or decorate their new bedrooms. This can really make kids feel like they’re part of the decision-making, and can also foster feelings of excitement and contentment regarding the big move.

Packing

Packing your family for a move can be extremely stressful and time-consuming. First of all, alleviate stress and anxiety by finding moving and storage companies that will best suit your needs. Next, instead of packing a bunch of things you no longer need, consider having a family garage/yard sale. You could let your children keep the money they make on their old things, or you could pool your resources for a day of family fun in your neighborhood. Either way, cutting back on your possessions is a great way to reduce clutter, and will also save time when it comes to packing and unpacking.

Saying Goodbye

Lastly, allow your children to bid farewell to their old home, neighborhood and, of course, friends and loved ones. One great way to do this is by hosting a small get-together before your move. Have attendees sign a guest book, and encourage them to leave their phone numbers, email addresses and other contact information. Once you’re settled in your new place, have your children to send postcards and letters. This can help kids stay in touch with their past, while moving forward in a new environment.

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Understandably, moving can be difficult for children of all ages. However, with the tips provided here, parents can help alleviate the fears and anxieties associated with a move, and encourage a healthy transition into a new surroundings.