How to Approach the Topic of Moving with your Children

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Moving is a very big change for everyone, but it might be the biggest for your children. Children
are used to routine and familiarity. While their world is always changing, there are certain things
that most kids depend on. They depend on seeing the same places, meeting the same friends and
going to the same school. Moving can change everything for them, and your children might face
various emotional issues. If you want to make things easier for your children, then try these
useful tips.

Give an Explanation
Your children will want to know why you are moving, and they deserve a good explanation.
Don’t just tell them that the move is important. You should really give them some good reasons
so that they understand the necessity of the move. For example, if you are moving because of a
better job offering, then explain why your new job is so important.

Chances are that this alone will not make your children understand immediately why you are
moving, but it should start sinking in within a few days or weeks.

Don’t Discredit Feelings
Your children are going to have an emotional attachment to the house and area. Many adults
inadvertently discredit their children’s feelings. For example, your children might say that they
will miss their friends. A common response to this is that they will make new friends. This is
most likely true, but your children won’t understand this until the move is over and they do
finally get some new friends.

You should instead focus on helping your children through their emotional issues. Tell them that
they can still speak with their friends through the computer or over the phone. If you aren’t
moving that far away, then tell your children that you will bring them back to their friends every
now and then. Let your children know that you understand their feelings, and that you are willing
to make this easier on them.

Visit the New House
If the new house or apartment isn’t that far away, then take your children to see the area. If you
can’t go inside the house or apartment for some reason, then let them see the outside and any
nearby areas that they will find interesting. Aside from losing their familiarity and routine, many
children are afraid of moving because they can’t visualize their new home.

Bringing them to the new home lets them know what it looks like, and it might ease many of
their fears.

Focus on Positives
You may not be moving for the most positive reason. You might need to move due to the death
of a family member, or you may not have enough money for your current home. While you
might feel very negative about the move, you need to show your children a positive attitude. If
you talk about the move negatively, then your children will feel badly about it. If you are
positive about the move, then it will be easier for your children to see why the move is a good
and necessary thing.

Ask About the Move
Sometimes a move isn’t necessary. It might be a good idea because you can get more land or you
might pay less per month, but the move may not be necessary. If the move is only good but not
necessary, then ask your children for their opinion. This can help you make a decision, and it
will also show your children that you will involve them in big decisions.

Time for Goodbyes
Younger children may not be as emotionally developed as teens and adults, but they still need
closure. It doesn’t matter if your children are going to preschool or high school. You need to
give them time for goodbyes. Give them a few days to draw pictures for teachers and friends, to
have friends over for one last time or to do whatever they want to say their goodbyes.

Failing to give them just a few days for this will result in very negative feelings about the move,
and your children won’t have a sense of closure.

Conclusion
Moving can be hard for everyone. There are a lot of emotional issues to consider, but many
times a move is necessary due to job offerings, financial situations or the death of a family
member. You need to speak with your children about the move so that they understand why it is
happening. Use the tips above, and your children should have a better grasp on why the move is
necessary.

Author Bio
Becky Harris writes for Upack abf portable storage containers, a company that helps
families and small businesses organized for busy lifestyles.