Moving can be a huge transition for children, especially if you are moving away from the only home they have lived in. Even if they have moved before, it is always difficult to leave a familiar place and embark on a new journey. Here is some basic advice for helping your children make this transition as smoothly as possible.
- Involve them in the process. Many children react with fear or anger when they feel that their parents are making life-changing decisions without their input. Let your children see the Austin houses you are looking at, or pictures of them, and listen to their opinions.
- Let them express themselves. It is normal for children being taken away from the home they know to react with sorrow or fear. If they feel they cannot express these feelings, they will only fester. Make it clear that your plans to move will probably not change because of your children's feelings, but you will still listen to and nurture your children.
- If your children have certain security toys or blankets, be careful not to pack these up while preparing to move. Your children will probably want access to them while traveling to and exploring their new home.
- Follow old routines as closely as possible. It can be soothing for a child to have the same mealtimes and bedtime routines when everything else has changed.
- If your children are moving far from their old friends, help them prepare for this. A going away party or a memory scrapbook can be good ways for a child to prepare for separation.
For assistance with your
Austin home search,
contact the Carvajal group at 512-419-7770.
