10.24.2024 | Buying
Will Moving Impact The Kids?
One of the biggest questions that parents ask themselves when deciding on a move is how will moving impact the kids? In the backs of our minds are thoughts about how our the kids feel about leaving their friends? Will they like their new school? Can they get into the sports teams that they love? Will our kids resent us for uprooting their lives and social circles? Moving with kids comes with a lot of things to consider and we’re here to help break that down for you.
Four years ago we decided to move our family one town to another. At the time the kids were in kindergarten, grade 2 and 4. They had established relationships, extracurricular activities and a sense of community, not to mention the tree house in the backyard that they were particularly invested in! Getting the kids buy in to move took some work, but the preparation was well worth it! Will moving impact the kids? The short answer is yes. But with these 5 tips, you can make it success for everyone.
Here are a few tips to make the move less stressful on your kids
1. Include Everyone in the Search Process
Sometimes kids can feel like every decision in life is being made for them. This can trigger a sense of helplessness and anxiety, especially when dealing with new environments. Involve kids with the moving process from start to finish. Show them online listings, take them along to drive through potential new neighbourhoods and visit prospective schools. The more they feel involved, the easier the process will be. One of the exercises we have our clients do is create a wish list for their new homes. Have your kids get involved in this too. You never know what they’ll come up and perhaps it’s something you can work into your plan!
2. Involve the Kids in the Design Process
With every move, there will be an element of personalization that goes into the new home. There are easy ways to get the kids involved in the design without giving over full control. Focus on the areas where the kids will spend the most time like their bedrooms or the playroom. Let the kids pick out a paint colour for their new room. Take them along to Benjamin Moore and discover the endless paint chip sample wall where they can find the perfect colour for their new space. Remember, paint is temporary and can be easily changed down the road, so let them decide on their new room colour and go with it. Does your new home have a playroom? Involve them in setting up their play space or a cool video game corner or lego station in the basement. Finding ways to include the kids will go a long way and give them a sense of control over their new environment.
3. Find New Friends
While parents are often left wondering how will moving impact the kids, the first question most kids will ask is what about my friends? Will I make new friends? What happens if I don’t? In today’s world, making connections ahead of time can be quite simple. Facebook mommy or daddy groups have become the norm in most areas and even parent groups for schools and recreational teams are common now. A few online searches and you’re likely to connect with people already living in your new area that would love to arrange park meet ups, safely of course!
Check out local recreation guides in the sports or activities your kids are interested in and get them registered before your move so they can transition right into their activities. Also remind your kids that staying connected to their old friends is even easier now with technology. Facetime, Snapchat, Whatsapp calling, texting….let’s face it, if you have a teenager in the house, that’s pretty much how they connect with their friends already!
4. Keep Your Weekly Routine Consistent
When you move, try to keep your weekly routine in line with your old routine. Did you have family movie night on Fridays? Pizza night on Saturday? Grandma over for dinner on Sunday? Kids thrive on routine and keeping these traditions going in your new house will reestablish stability quickly.
5. Focus on the Big Wins
Does the new house have a pool? A park close by? Hiking trails to explore nature? Is it closer to cousins that the kids can see more often? Giving the kids something new to look forward to in the new house, that the old house didn’t have, will help build excitement.
Moving is exciting and scary at the same time. As hard as a big move can be for an emotionally stable adult, it can be extra scary for children. Most parents, anticipating a job transfer or planning a move, worry about how their children will handle the change. Will moving impact the kids? Yes, however the good news is that a move won’t mess up your kid’s life. Just by being aware of your children’s needs during this change is going to be do wonders long term and parents can worry less about how moving will impact their children. If you’re considering a move, let’s have a chat and get the process started. The earlier we start the process, the easier it will be on the entire family. Reach out today!
