When moving house with children

When moving house with children, it really depends on how old the child in question is. Very young children will either see it as having to move away from their old room, their friends and their school (Or an excuse to go hiding in the many cardboard boxes you will accumulate in the coming weeks, more of that later.) Older children will also see this time as an upheaval, particularly if the move is far away, but overall moving house can be an emotionally tiring time for everyone involved. There has been an attachment made to the house, perhaps the only one they’ve ever lived in, so of course it will be difficult, but here are some tips on how to make the whole process easier. Altogether now: Bye, house!
1. Explain the whole process to them, especially if they are very young. Try to simplify things as much as possible. If you know what your child responds to best, then that will probably be the best method. If he or she likes story books, try to find a book on the topic that they will be able to relate to, or re-enact the process of moving house with a favourite teddy or doll (Who can even have his or her own special box for moving away)
2. As far as the process being an emotional one goes, it can feel sad saying goodbye to a place, particularly if you’ve been there a long time, and this feeling might be amplified, particularly when they’re very little and it’s the only house they’ve known. See this as the opportunity to introduce change to your child as something which is exciting and full of possibilities, rather than something to be feared. Try to keep your language upbeat and positive, and if you’re feeling the strain yourself, you never know –it could rub off on you.
3. Keeping the children entertained is a must, but don’t feel you have to constantly keep them out of the way. Getting older children involved will make the process a whole lot easier for everyone (It’s easier if you offer a trip to the cinema later on); particularly as you can feel like you’re working together. Hire a babysitter for the very little ones, and make sure favourite toys don’t get buried in with the rest of the packing.
4. Take play breaks from packing to give you and the kids some breathing space. Go out for a walk together or a meal.
5. Whether it’s a blanket, a toy dog, or some ratty piece of material that hasn’t been washed since the day your child was born, right now it’s more precious than any box marked “fragile” items –the comforter. Keep this and any essential toys (Try to narrow them down to at least four) in a separate backpack or bag and make sure they don’t get lost during the big move.
6. Be honest. Don’t overhype the new house, or you will probably face a lot of disappointed faces once you get there. At the same time, treat the whole process as a game, keep them involved and look at your new house as somewhere you can all make your very own.

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