Moving is stressful for the entire family, but these few tips will help young children understand the move and be involved rather than being confused, upset or left out.
1) Talk to your child about the move. If your home is the only home they have ever known then the concept of moving is a new experience for them. Explain how the process is going to work for your family and why you're moving. Talk about moving often, so they become familiar with the idea and can ask questions. Talk up your new home, giving them something to look forward too.
2) Packing your child's belongings can be a fearful and uncertain experience for them. Involve them in the packing process. Let them help decide what items can be packed away, while your home is on the market. Make sure they understand that you are NOT getting rid of their items. Unless of course you have decided to throw away or give away items.
3) Mark their boxes with their name, "Andy's Toys" or "Andy Open First". Allow them to decorate their boxes with stickers or markers. They will want to continue packing boxes because you've made a game out of the packing process.
4) Let them help pack a few boxes from your bedroom, so they will see that this is a process for the entire family. They may even want to help you decorate your boxes.
WARNING you may need to buy a large supply of stickers and may end up having all your moving boxes decorated. But it will keep the young ones busy and involved!
Happy Moving!
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