Relocating with Children

Moving can be a stressful time for both adults and children.  Proper planning, communication, and empathy can help create a smoother transition for your little ones.

If your children are old enough to understand, make sure you give them plenty of advanced notice.  Mark the date on the calendar and try to make a game out of it.  Be positive and give the children reasons to look forward to their new home.  If possible, take pictures and video of the surrounding areas at the new location.  Pay special attention to anything that your children will find interesting.

Moving during the summer is ideal for a number of reasons, one of which is that your children will not have to transition in the middle of the school year.  If you do make the move in the summer, get your children involved in community activities, especially if they involve the school or children that attend your child’s new school.  Help your children build relationships with others so the hallways will be filled with familiar faces on the first day of school.

Make sure that any rituals and traditions carry over into the new home as well.  Continue your Taco Tuesdays and Sunday brunches.  Right now, consistency is a child’s best friend.

Another great idea:  Surprise the young ones by putting a new toy (or two) in their closets at the new house.  This pleasant surprise will be a welcome distraction from the moving stress.

In general, try to focus on the positives and avoid comparing the new place to the old one.  Make the move an exciting adventure and explore the new territory together.  For older children, this might be a little more difficult so you may need to get creative.  If that’s the case, search online for ideas from other parents who have been there and done that.  This will not only help your childrens' peace of mind, it will help yours as well.

If you are planning a relocation, and would like to sell your Silver Spring, MD home or search homes in Silver Spring, MD, contact Emcee Arah of DeeCee Real Estate.  Arah is an experienced real estate agent with a full-time team of professionals who have a proven track record of success, and his custom 25-point marketing plan is instrumental in providing exceptional results for his clients. 

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