How to Prepare Your Child for a Big Change Like Moving
Big transitions like moving to a new home or starting a new school can be challenging for children, but with the right preparation, you can help ease the process and make the adjustment smoother for your little one.
Changes feel bigger when you’re little
For most of us, starting a new job or moving to a new town can feel a bit daunting. No wonder than that it can elicit a big reaction in your kiddo. Major changes disrupt a child's routine, which in turn can disrupt their sense of security or comfort.
Taking steps to reduce anxiety and helping them feel comfortable with the new environment are key for a smooth transition and a quicker leap to “Yay! A new adventure!”
Tips for preparing your child for a move
Start the Conversation Early: Give your child plenty of time to process the upcoming change by discussing the move in advance. Depending on their age, you can explain why the move is happening and how it will affect them. Make sure to answer any questions they have and validate their emotions, whether they are excited, sad, or nervous. Be sure to also repeat that you will be moving too, and that you will be staying together.
Keep Routines Consistent: Maintaining a sense of routine is crucial for children, especially during big changes. Stick to your usual daily schedule as much as possible—bedtimes, mealtimes, and family rituals. Familiar routines offer a sense of stability, helping children feel secure in the midst of upheaval.
Involve Your Child in the Process: Let your child participate in the move by allowing them to pack their favorite toys or help choose decorations for their new room. Involvement can help them feel more in control and excited about the new space.
Prepare for the New Environment: Visit the new house or neighborhood before the move if possible (otherwise, can you look at pictures?). This can help your child become familiar with the surroundings. If you're moving to a new school, see if you can tour the building or attend an orientation to help your child get used to the new environment. If the school has an open playground, spend some time there on weekends.
Create New Traditions: Establish new traditions in your new home to help your child embrace the change. It could be as simple as a family movie night, a new bedtime story, or exploring the local park together. This can help them associate positive memories with the new environment. Plan the new traditions together and be involved in every step to get your kiddo excited.
Helping your child say goodbye
One of the hardest parts of moving is leaving friends, favorite places, or a familiar school behind. Here’s how you can support your child through this emotional aspect of moving:
Plan Farewells: Give your child a chance to say goodbye to friends and teachers. Hosting a small goodbye party or creating a memory book can give them a sense of closure.
Stay Connected: Help your child maintain friendships by planning phone calls, video chats, or letter writing. Reassure them that leaving doesn't mean losing friends.
Acknowledge Their Feelings: Moving can bring a mix of emotions, from sadness to excitement. Be patient and listen to your child’s concerns. Encourage open communication about their feelings, and let them know it's okay to miss the old place while also being excited about the new one.
Addressing logistical aspects of the move
A.k.a, the moving parts (pun intended).
Handling Time Zones or Long Distances: If your move involves changing time zones, gradually adjust your child’s schedule in the weeks leading up to the move to minimize jet lag and confusion. If it’s a long-distance move, consider planning breaks during travel to avoid exhaustion.
Unpack Their Room First: Make your child’s room a priority when unpacking. Familiar toys, blankets, and other personal items can help them feel more at home.
Create a Calm Moving Day: Prepare snacks, favorite books, or games for the actual moving day to keep your child entertained and calm during what can be a chaotic experience.
Settling into the new home
Once you're in the new home, help your child feel that it’s more than just a new space—it’s their space:
Personalize Their Room: Let your child arrange their room in a way that feels personal to them. Involving them in setting up their space can create a sense of ownership and comfort.
Explore Together: Take walks around the new neighborhood, visit parks, and discover local attractions. This can help your child build positive associations with their new environment.
Reconnect with Old Routines: Try to re-establish old routines and rituals in the new home as soon as possible. Familiar activities, like family dinners or storytime, help create a sense of continuity despite the new surroundings.
Helping your child through a big change like moving takes time and patience, but with thoughtful planning and consistent support, you can make the transition smoother for your child and your family. By focusing on maintaining routine, encouraging communication, and involving your child in the process, you can turn what feels like a daunting life event into an exciting new chapter.
Give yourself more time
Moving is stressful and time-consuming, so adding all of this on top of it may feel daunting. Try to start the process as early as possible, so that you can incorporate little bits of these tips into your move here and there, without trying to do it all at once.
And give yourself some space, too. You may feel overwhelmed and exhausted – not to mention sad, yourself – and then it’s extra hard to take on your kid’s feelings on top of that. Be patient with yourself, let it take a little longer than you thought, and maybe try to push a few things off your to do list if they can wait till later.
A babysitter can make the move go more smoothly
While we can’t pack your boxes, this is where we can shine.
Whether it buys you a few hours of alone time at home to pack or offers a fun, loving way to get to know a new neighborhood, having an experienced, engaging babysitter or nanny around while you’re on the move can feel like nothing short of a lifesaver. While we can’t pack your boxes, this is where we can shine.
At Smart Sitting nanny agency, we’ve been helping families find their ideal caregiver for well over a decade. We get to know you and your family so we can make thoughtful, hand-picked matches with sitters who fit your needs – and wants. Reach out to us today and let us take that item off your (no doubt) long to do list.
Ps. For more tips and tricks in parenting and advice about hiring a nanny, sign up for our newsletter.