Children and Moving

 Moving is often a source of stress for the whole family. This change can be difficult for a young child, because he does not always understand the reasons for the move. However, it is possible to prepare your toddler to reduce the stress of a move.

How to prepare your child for the move?

It's normal for your little one to be sad to say goodbye to places and people that were a part of their life and have a few worries. Will he like his new room? Will his new educator be as nice as the old one? Will dad still pick him up from daycare? Find out how you can help your little one through this big change:

• Plan and organize your move as much as possible. You will feel more in control, less stressed and your child will feel less stressed.
• Talk about the move a few days before your child notices any real changes. For example, before a visit to the next dwelling, before the boxes start piling up in a room or a few days before the "For Sale" sign is placed in front of the house.
• Tell your toddler what to expect. Explain to him why you are moving. Then ask him what he thinks about it and share your own feelings with him. For example, you can say to him: “I too am sad to leave our house. However, I can't wait to go play with you at the park in our new neighborhood. If you moved as a child, tell him how things went for you. Also talk to him about moving day so he knows a bit about what to expect.
• Invite him to ask his questions about how things will go and what worries him.
• Play "moving house" with your toddler with boxes and a toy truck. Playing helps her explore the emotions caused by this big change (eg, sadness, fear, excitement). This can then encourage him to tell you about it.
• Read his books on moving. He will then see that other people are going through the same thing as him and will share his emotions. It's also a good idea to read him a few stories on the subject before telling him he's going to move out himself. This will give him an idea and maybe even a positive view of the move.
• Visit your future accommodation and its surroundings with him, if possible. It's also a good idea to show him your future daycare. This allows him to begin to tame his new environment and reduce his fears. Take the opportunity to point out that many things will not change even if some will be different.

Helping your child adjust after the move

• Be patient and listen even if you have a lot to do. Your toddler needs time to mourn his old home. Your child is bound to be affected by the move, especially if it is associated with separation or job loss. Help him put his feelings into words.
• Temporarily reduce your demands on your toddler, as it may take them several weeks to fully adjust. He may then be more demanding, wake up more often at night, have a stomach ache or start wetting the bed again. Each child has their own way of reacting. These reactions will go away on their own when he feels safe.
• Maintain a steady routine as much as possible. It reassures your child and helps him get used to his new environment.
• Play with him in your new apartment or your new house so that your little one discovers his new environment while having fun.
• Visit your new neighborhood with your child and do fun activities together (eg, play in the park, go to the pool or the library). This allows your toddler to quickly associate the move with positive things.
• Try to make the changes little by little. For example, it may be difficult for a toddler to move on Saturday and go to a new daycare the following Monday. If possible, wait a week after the move before bringing your child to their new daycare. If his custody environment remains the same, there is no problem, because it is already a safe place.

Remember

• Moving is a stressful event for a child because of the many changes it brings to their life.
• Telling your child what to expect, inviting them to ask questions, and touring the new home and its surroundings helps prepare them for the move.
• Even if your toddler is being cared for, it's a good idea for them to watch part of the move during the day to better understand what's going on.

Contact EkoMovers today if you are planning to move with children in future.