Family moves can be tough. There?s a lot to think about and long to-do lists?and you usually have to get it all done in a relatively short amount of time. In all the hustle and bustle it can be easy to forget that your kids may not have any idea what to expect. To help you manage your next family move in a worry free way, here are 4 tips to keep your kids informed and involved.
Grab some soft drinks and pop some popcorn then sit around the table and lay it all out there. The move, your expectations, the reasons you made this decision. All of it. Show them you are excited, and explain that you understand this will be new and different ? for you as parents too. Then give them the floor. Let the kids ask questions, vent, share, whatever they need to do. Once you have covered all of their current questions and concerns, make sure they understand they can come back to you at any time if they think of others. Let them know that, the day before the move, you will go back over a list of what needs to be done and when, so they know what?s happening and what?s expected on moving day.
Before you pack it all up, purge. Get rid of anything and everything you can. Have your kids fill a box with precious things that must go with them. Make sure everyone understands these are NOT to be touched. Then sort everything else into three other, larger boxes, bins or shelves.
- Keep it
- Sell it
- Donate it
Anything, and this includes you too mom and dad, that isn?t in the precious box but has not been touched in six months might need to go. Sure, there?s some leeway here, but with kids you are likely looking at broken toys, clothes that no longer fit and stuff they?ve simply outgrown in one way or another. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about finances, charity and recycling.
Let your kids help plan it. Depending on their age, they could make snacks and drink to sell, help decorate the sale signs and help put out the items being sold. Older kids can even learn to haggle, handle cash and make change. If you give them a chance to be responsible, your kids will likely surprise you with their ability to rise to the challenge.
If you are close enough, take a drive over with the kids and let them see the new neighborhood. Cruise by the park, the schools and the restaurants. If they had hobbies ?back home? let them see similar places in the new neighborhood and even sign them up for the same activities. Let them meet the coaches, organizers and, if possible, some of the other kids. Have a picnic day at the park nearest your new place. Help them get comfortable with their surroundings before the move. Most importantly, let the kids see other kids doing the same things kids were doing in their old neighborhood. This will help assuage some of the fear of the unknown that accompanies a move. If you are too far away, do as much of this as you can online and over the phone.
Be sure to check out some more terrific tips on moving with kids and teens here! What are some of your tricks to family moves? We?d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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Source: http://www.smithandassociates.com/blog/2013/05/relocation-tips-how-to-have-a-worry-free-family-move/
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