How to help children adjust to their new homes

Our home gives us a sense of belonging and safety. Children develop a much deeper connection with their homes growing up. Thus, moving to a new house often creates emotional stress, especially for children. They have to leave behind familiar faces, sounds, sights.   

Moving to a new house might be a scary thought, but with proper guidance from their elders we believe the moving in process can become a fun experience. Here are some useful tips that can help ease the process of moving with children:  

1. Inform them in advance

Once you have decided on moving, do not hesitate from breaking the news to your children. Waiting for the last minute will only add to the chaos. Kids need to know and understand why they are moving to better adjust to their new home.  

For instance, moving to their own new house, might create more excitement than sadness.

2. Validate their opinions and feelings

Moving with children will become a lot easier if you validate their feelings. It is natural for them to be sad. You should assure them  that you will also miss the place your current home. This will make them realise that feeling sad is okay their parents will acknowledge their feelings.  

You can also reassure them that the new house is awesome with loads of amenities, in a secure gated community where they will meet their new friends and have a chance to grow up together. It will help divert their minds and positively think about their new house.

3. Show them the house

If possible, show your children the new home you are shifting to. If it is in a new city and travelling to it is not possible now, give them a video tour of the house. It will help them visualise the home before moving in.  

Likewise, you can also tell them what to expect in the new home – like a half Olympic size swimming pool, a ready club house to play in, futsal fields and more. In any case, communication with children is the key before moving. Besides calming them down, it will also help you proceed with the packing and other formalities necessary for moving. 

4. Maintain a familiar routine

Like adults, children also thrive on routine. They will feel more comfortable if they have a familiar routine at the new home. For instance, if they have dinner at 6 pm followed by bedtime at 8 pm, try to stick to that routine.  

Following a routine also assist kids in engaging better and becoming more productive. Although maintaining a routine in the initial days of the move can be difficult, try to get into the schedule as soon as possible.  

5. Give some time

Although moving with children is challenging, the good news is that they are resilient. All you have to do is give them some time to adjust to the new environment and their new home. Soon they would explore new surroundings and meet new friends and a little encouragement from parents will help children soar.  

How do your children react to moving to a new address? Comment below! 

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