Moving homes is a stressful time for all of us. The whole process of seeking and purchasing a home is mentally draining enough but, actually relocating from one home to another is a tribulation. From packing your valuables to loading a truck to creating a new floor plan, there are so many things to worry about. Setting up life in a new city is also challenging when you have to worry about new schools and a new routine. It can all be very daunting but, in the end, you will survive; we are adults and can handle this kind of challenge. But, how about the children? Are they emotionally equipped for a move? In the chaos of moving, we often forget how a relocation may be impacting the lives of our children. Still developing as people, a simple house move can be more disruptive and traumatic to children than we realize. Luckily, you can be there to help guide them through this new experience in their lives by addressing their needs.
So, what are some of the things that children will be facing during a big move (depending on their age)?
- Pre-schoolers: They will usually be very curious and interested in the whole process. Being different and unusual, they will have a lot of questions about the move and why things are happening. They understand the move, but will not necessarily comprehend the implications. Pre-schoolers usually have fewer attachments and connections to the previous home, so they are not usually upset to be leaving. There may be some anxiety once they settle into the new home. Young children love to be involved in things, so give them a task that is appropriate to their abilities such as packing a small box of their favourite toys or organizing their clothing by colour. If possible, bring them to the new house before you move so it will be familiar to them when the day arrives.
- School-aged children: They will offer more of a challenge when moving homes. They understand the implications and the reasons, but may not entirely accept them. They may act out in aggressive and passive-aggressive ways. The biggest concern that children at this age will have is changing schools. Most of their social network will be attached to their school. Changing will likely mean having to adopt a new group of friends, which is not always easy. To ease them into the change, bring your child to the school before the actual move so they can get a feel of the physical property and sense of the atmosphere of the school. There is debate on whether it is better to change schools in the middle of the year or over the summer. If it is an option, see what your child would prefer.
- Teenagers: They will usually be the strongest opponents of the move, especially if they need to change schools. Friends and social groups are often the most important things to a teenager. The loss of this and the possibility of having to start over can cause them to flat-out rebel against you. The best thing you can do in this case is to listen to their concerns and try to address them. Treat them like an adult whose opinion counts. They will still be upset, but may at least feel better.
In between packing and working with your children, you will have a lot on your plate. Make sure to hire a good moving services company to make your life easier. At Best Canadian Movers, we offer over two decades of professional and courteous service in Ontario. Contact us today. You handle your family; we will handle the move.