Helping Your Child Cope With Moving Anxiety

Moving can be a challenging experience for all of us but especially children. The idea of leaving behind familiar surroundings and loved ones can be a scary and terrifying prospect. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to provide emotional support and guidance to your children during the transition. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and tricks to help your child or children cope with moving.

1) Validating their feelings

The first step in helping children cope with a move is to validate their fears and concerns. It is essential to acknowledge that leaving behind friends, family, and familiar surroundings can be tough for anyone, especially for children who may have a limited understanding of what to expect. Take the time to listen to their fears and reassure them that their feelings are valid and understandable. When it comes to announcing an upcoming move to your child, it's important to keep in mind their emotional response. It's recommended to sit down with your child and have an age-appropriate conversation. Be honest and clear about why the move is necessary and provide them with a sense of stability by discussing new schools, friends, and activities. Listen to their concerns and validate their emotions. Reassure them that their feelings are normal and that you're there to support them throughout the process. It can also be helpful to involve your child in the moving process by giving them small tasks to do or allowing them to decorate their new room. Overall, it's important to communicate with your child and make them feel like they are part of the decision-making process. More on that topic in a moment.

2) Get Enough Sleep

Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone in the family. One thing that is crucial is to make sure that everyone gets enough sleep before and during the move. Being well-rested will help children (and adults) cope better with the stress of the move. Additionally, Getting enough sleep is crucial for us as parents if we want to have the patience and energy to deal with the extra challenges that come with moving our family. When we as parents are well-rested, we have the mental and physical stamina to handle the ups and downs of our child's behavior. We are better equipped to engage in the necessary conversations our child may need and to respond with appropriate calm, kindness, and consistent guidance. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can lead to irritability, mood swings, and a lack of energy, making it difficult for us to stay calm, collected, and supportive when dealing with our child's behaviors. The importance of getting enough sleep cannot be overstated when it comes to enabling parents to navigate the daily struggles of relocating and in some cases uprooting our family. Create a relaxing ritual before sleep. This will provide continuity for you and your child and help reduce stress.

3) Focusing on the Positive

A great way to help children cope with moving is by focusing on the positives and turning the move into an adventure. Discuss the exciting new opportunities and experiences that await them in the new location. Identify features of the new location that they will find interesting and exciting. With this approach, your child(ren) will start getting excited about the move and will remain positive during the transition. One way to do so is by keeping an open and curious mind. Take time to explore the new environment, try new foods, and meet new people. Embrace the opportunity to start fresh and create new experiences. Remember to remain optimistic and remind yourself of why you decided to make the move in the first place. Write down a list of positive outcomes that you hope to achieve and refer back to it when you feel overwhelmed. Finally, celebrate all the small victories that come with the move, no matter how insignificant they may seem. By focusing on the positive, the transition to a new place becomes much easier. When our children see us practicing a positive mindset during a stressful time, they are better able to mirror this attitude and see positive things about moving as well.

4) Maintaining a consistent daily schedule during the transition

Kids thrive on routine and familiarity. During the move, it is important to maintain a consistent daily schedule that includes familiar activities such as meals, naps, and playtime. A regular schedule can bring a sense of familiarity and normalcy to an otherwise chaotic period. Children, in particular, may find the moving process overwhelming, and a consistent routine can make them feel secure and stable. Keeping a constant daily schedule can also help us stay organized and productive, making the process run smoother and allowing for a more successful moving experience. In short, a consistent schedule can positively impact one's mental wellbeing, reduce stress levels, and enhance the overall moving experience. One idea to aid in the transition is to read age appropriate books at bedtime about moving.

Moving Books for kids:

💟New House, Same Underwear: A story to help kids feel excited about moving (Pig In Jeans)

💟The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day

💟I Heard That You’re Moving! A Picture Book About Moving to a New House: Perfect Gift for Kids Moving Away & Making New Friends in a New Home & School

💟My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A workbook for children moving to a new home

5) Let the kids be a part of decision-making

Involving your child(ren) in the decision-making process for the move can be gratifying and empowering for them. Let them help choose a bedroom arrangement or pick out furniture for the new house. This will make them invested in the move and more willing to embrace the changes. You could also involve them in choosing the new house or apartment. Including children in the packing process can also be fun and allow them to say goodbye to their old home. Overall, involving children in the planning and decision making process can help them feel more prepared and excited for the move. To help make the packing process less stressful watch my video "How to pack for moving"

6) Help your child stay in touch

Finally, it is important to help your children stay in touch with old friends, even after the move. Make use of social media or video chats to keep in touch with old friends, create a scrapbook of memories, and encourage your children to write letters or draw pictures for their old friends. Some additional ideas are:
1) Schedule virtual playdates, where they can connect with their friends through video calls or other online platforms.
2) Consider hosting a farewell party or get-together so that your child can say goodbye to their old friends and maintain a connection.
3) Encourage your child to write letters, send cards or make care packages to their old friends occasionally.
4) Plan visits or reunions, especially during holidays or vacations where your child can reconnect with their old friends.
5) Engage in mutual interests or activities by signing up for the same hobby class, sport or club as their old friends.

Conclusion

Moving can be a difficult transition for children, but with proper preparation and support, it can be a smooth transition. Creating a positive and empowering environment during the move can help your child(ren) cope with the changes and embrace new opportunities in their new location. By providing emotional support, maintaining routine and consistency, and involving your child(ren) in the decision-making process, you can make your upcoming move an exciting and positive experience for your family.