Moving with children is not always easy for a child. In some cases, they have to say goodbye to their familiar surroundings: the house, the neighborhood, their friends and sometimes even their school. This can be very exciting for a child. That is why it is very important to guide your child well in the moving process! Below are a few tips to guide your child in the right way!
Tip 1: Be sensitive to change
Babies are often sensitive to changes in most cases, so it is important to radiate calm to your child. For babies and toddlers (0-2 years), it is best to furnish the nursery as much as possible in the same way as their old room.
Tip 2: Reading about moving
A toddler may not yet understand what moving means. You could explain it to your toddler by reading books about moving. These kinds of books are usually widely available in the library. Then you can explain to your child that you are also moving, just like the character in the book. Moving with children is easier when the children understand it too.
Tip 3: Use your own stuff
Young children are usually very used to and attached to their own things. It is therefore nice for them to take those same things home with them. When they are a bit younger, it is also nice to sleep in the same bed.
Tip 4: Take it to the new house
Children from 4 years and older can be consciously involved in the moving process. For example, you could take them with you to look at the house. You could also decorate their bedroom together with your child, what kind of layout, what kind of wallpaper and what kind of paint do they want to choose? In this way, you make moving with children a lot of fun!
Tip 5: Explore the neighborhood in advance
You could also explore the neighborhood in advance. This way you can already make trips in the neighborhood, so that your child gets to know the neighborhood. You could also show them where the (new) school is and where the playground is, where they will play a lot in the future.
Tip 6: Packing your own things
Let your child help pack his/her own things. This way, the child knows that all his/her familiar things are going with him/her. In addition, the child can indicate what he/she does and does not want to take with him/her.
Tip 7: Pay attention during busy times
During the moving process you are usually very busy with everything, but at the same time it is also very important that you give your child enough attention. Make sure you are well informed about what your child is feeling, so that you can help him/her if he/she is sad.
Tip 8: Guidance at school
It is very important that the current and new school are informed about the move. It is nice for the child if he/she is said goodbye in the right way at the old school and welcomed in the right way at the new school. In addition, the teacher can also give extra support to the child.
Tip 9: Rest after moving
After the move, it is important to maintain the same peace and regularity for the child as before. In this way, the child will feel safe and at home.
Tip 10: Making friends
It is very important for the child to make friends in the area. In this way, he/she feels more at home and that makes it more fun to live in that area. For example, see if you can invite children in the area to come and play or stay overnight. Or choose to register your child with a nice (sports) club in the area. In this way, you make it easier for your child to make friends.