When you and your family want to move to a new home, you may have a lot of things to consider. Within this can be the ways that you can help your child prepare to say goodbye to their current home, and settle more into a new one. For some children, the thought of moving home can be incredibly daunting. They may struggle to discuss how they feel, especially if of a younger age.
Use a gift
While you may not want to use presents to deal with all changes or negative emotions, something to signify the move could be of use. Buying some special toys for 7 year old boys that can be kept in their new bedroom could allow them to acknowledge more of the positive aspects of the move. These toys may also become quite special to them later on in life, as they serve as a reminder of that move. Alongside toys, you may want to think about crafty items that they may be able to make use of, such as a kit that allows them to make a nameplate for their new bedroom. Turning the experience into one that is exciting and associated with good memories could make this transition easier.
Acknowledge concerns
Although trying to put a happy spin on the move may be helpful, you might also not want to gloss over any negative comments or emotions. Listening to what your child has to say may not only help them to work through any anxieties, but may also help to teach them that they can come to you for support and advice regardless of the subject. This may be crucial as they grow up. Your child may worry about moving school, if they need to, or even keeping in touch with current friends and neighbors. Finding solutions, such as making sure you have people’s addresses to send letters to, could be a way of dealing with this. If your child is old enough, they could also keep in touch themselves.
Get them involved
It may be rather frightening for your child to watch you begin to box up the contents of the home. While the rest of the rooms may be your responsibility, you may want to consider getting them involved with their own bedroom. This could help to reassure them that all their possessions are safe and accounted for. Part of this could also involve decluttering, and allowing your child to decide what they no longer use. This may do some good for local charities, and also mean that you have less to move to your new home. Having your child involved may mean that packing their room takes a little bit longer than elsewhere, so you may want to factor that in if you have time constraints.
Moving home can be stressful no matter your age. By thinking about ways to help prepare your child for this change you might be able to make the positive aspects outweigh the negative.