My family moved three times in the first eleven years of my life, all to different states. The hardest move happened when I was eleven. I loved my old town and hated my new one. Every morning when I woke up for school I had to fight back tears. I missed our old house, my old school, my friends, and our life. But my parents were able to make it easier.
Moving to a new city is a huge adjustment for the entire family. The move itself, a new job, a new home, a new community, and a new school is a lot all at once. Although you are trying to adjust yourself, plenty of attention and help needs to be provided for your kids during this transition. Here are 5 ways to help your kids adjust to a new city.
1. Involve the kids in the planning.
The unknown can lead to anxiety. Help to limit the anxiety by involving your kids in the planning process, and keeping them informed as much as possible.
2. Create games or projects around the new city.
Make learning about your new city fun. Research the city, the history, famous people, and landmarks. Draw maps, plot out the directions, find out what animals are most common in the area, and determine what you will visit first.
3. Give them say in how to decorate their room.
Your kids room will be very important, and you want them to feel as comfortable and as much at home as possible. Also, make their rooms one of the firsts to be unpacked and ready to live in.
4. Make time to talk pre and post move.
Set aside one-on-one time to talk and listen prior to the move and after the move. Do your best to understand how your kids are feeling, what they are concerned about, and what they are looking forward to. Be empathetic, and be with them as they mourn their old life. Don’t try to discard your kids’ feelings with a simplistic silver lining. Be with them in their sadness.
Don't discard your kids' feelings with a simplistic silver lining. Be with them in their sadness. Click To Tweet5. Get involved as a family.
Find activities you can get involved with as a family. Volunteer, find a recreational sports league, and volunteer as coach. Ride bikes, and take walks in your neighborhood.
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “When was the last time you tried something new and ended up glad you did?”