Are you moving to another city with your kids? If so, congratulations! It’s a big step in your family’s journey. But as any parent knows, moves can be tough on kids. They have to leave their friends and familiar surroundings behind and start anew someplace else.
That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to help them adjust to their new surroundings. Here are eight tips to prepare your kids when moving to another city:
1. Talk about the move ahead of time
Don’t just spring the news on your kids that you’re moving. Talk about it together as a family first. This will give them time to process the information and ask any questions they may have.
2. Get them involved in the process
As you’re packing up your things, involve your kids as much as possible in the long distance moving process. Let them help pack their own belongings and give them a sense of ownership over the move.
3. Visit your new city ahead of time
If possible, visit your new city before moving there permanently. This will help your kids get a feel for the place and start to familiarize themselves with it.
4. Find out about their new school ahead of time
One of the most important things for kids is feeling comfortable at school. To find out everything you can about their new school ahead of time. Visit the website, talk to parents who have kids there, and look into after-school activities.
5. Help them make new friends
Moving to a new city can be lonely, so help your kids make new friends. See if there are any kids’ clubs or sports teams in the area. Or, you can reach out to the parents of your kids’ classmates and set up playdates.
6. Keep their old friends close
Just because your family is moving away doesn’t mean your kids have to lose touch with their old friends. Help them stay in touch by exchanging email addresses and phone numbers or setting up video chat dates.
7. Get involved in your new community
One of the best ways to help your family feel at home in a new city is to get involved in the community. Join a local club or volunteer for a cause you care about. This will help you meet new people and feel more connected to your new place.
8. Be patient
Moving to a new city is a big adjustment for everyone involved. So be patient with your kids as they settle into their new surroundings. It may take some time, but eventually, they’ll make it their home sweet home.
In a Nutshell
Moving to a new city can be tough on kids, but there are things you can do to help them adjust. Talk about the move ahead of time, involve them in the process, and visit your new city before moving there permanently. Find out about their new school ahead of time, help them make new friends, and get involved in your new community. Most importantly, be patient with your kids as they settle into their new home sweet home.
