Moving is huge decision and involves a lot of working parts. Not only does it require a lot of time and attention to detail, but it also requires keeping an open line of communication with your children, as it can be very hard on them emotionally.  It doesn’t matter if it’s your first move with children or the fifth move across the country, relocating your family can cause apprehension and anxiety in your little ones. To help make the transition smoother, here are some helpful tips on how to prepare your kids to move.

Tip #1: Make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you decide to move, it can be tough for your kids to process. Oftentimes, it means they will need to move to a new school, make new friends, or leave friends or relationships that they have formed. This can stir up painful emotions or cause apprehension.  So, when you’re preparing for an upcoming move, keep communication open at all times and try to talk about the move in a positive way. Let your children express their feelings, fears, or concerns – both positive and negative, so their emotions don’t feel trapped inside. Most of all, show them your support and love through every stage of the process. The more stable you can make them feel, the better. 

Tip #2: Let them be involved.
Moving involves a lot of work, so find jobs or small tasks that your kids can help with. For example, let them help pack their rooms or closets with you and let them write, label, or draw on the boxes. Let them pack some of their special or favorite items in a decorated box, or give them the option of taking pictures of their old room to look back on when they are older. Then, when you move into the new house, give them some color options for the walls so they have a say on what their room will look like, or let them pick out some new art or bedding for their room that will give them a voice in the process.

Tip #3: Immerse them in the new neighborhood.
Once you’ve started unpacking and setting up your new house, make sure that your kids get connected in the neighborhood or in the general area of where you’re living. Make it a point to explore new landmarks nearby or parks, sign them up for a sports team in the area that they might enjoy, or go knock on some neighbor’s doors to see if there are some other kids their age that they may be able to meet and build friendships with.

Tip #4: Keep things as familiar as possible.
No matter how big or small they are, kids thrive on familiarity and routine and when children move, they may feel like things that are familiar are being stripped away. To combat this feeling, keep routines and rituals the same, and be sure to integrate things from your old house into your new house. Even the little things can make a huge difference.

Most of all, remember that your kids are looking up to you to be a beam of positivity during the move. Your attitude will rub off on your children, so if you are adjusting well, work hard to help your kids adjust well too. Before you know it, you’ll be in a new home making new memories!