
How to make moving appealing to your children Did you ever move when you were a child?
Children live in their own little microcosm. For them, a trip to their grandmother's house in the next town is a real outing, and a car journey lasting more than three hours is like traveling halfway around the world. In their familiar surroundings, however, they know every stone and every beetle. Moving uproots children from their own little world and often frightens them. This is especially true when the move is due to a job change to a city further away or when the move after a separation means that they suddenly only live with one parent.
Explain the reasons for the move and involve children in the process
When you tell your children about the move, it is important to explain the reasons in an age-appropriate manner. Children want to understand why things happen. Otherwise, they will quickly feel that they are being treated unfairly or think that their parents are putting their own needs before theirs. It can also help to let your children participate in the moving process and involve them in small decisions. For example, let your children decide for themselves which room they would like to live in later (as far as the floor plan allows) and choose the wall color in their new bedroom. This way, your child will not feel faced with a fait accompli, but will have the feeling that they have a say in the matter.
Explore the new home and surroundings in advance
Many children find it helpful to see where they will soon be living before the move. This applies not only to the property itself, but also to the surrounding area. Where is the nearest playground? Is there a lake or an amusement park nearby? What clubs can your child join here and what is the new school like? If children are well prepared for the new situation and can already imagine life in their new home, this often takes away their fear of the great unknown. Children are also naturally curious and may already be looking forward to exploring their new surroundings.
Choose the right time to move
If possible, choose a time for the move that will only cause a minor disruption in your child's life. The summer holidays or the transition between the first and second half of the school year are particularly suitable for schoolchildren. In general, it is important to give your children the opportunity to say goodbye properly. Perhaps your child would like to throw a farewell party for their friends or simply spend the night at their best friend's house before the move. Take your child's concerns seriously
Even the best preparation cannot prevent your child from feeling angry or afraid of the change. It is therefore important that children are given the opportunity to talk freely about their worries and feel that they are being taken seriously.
Are you selling your old property to embark on a new adventure? Contact us now. We will be happy to support you in this step.