Moving with the kids? What to expect and how to cope?
 Are you feeling anxious about the thought of moving with kids? Don’t worry! This blog has you covered! We all know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the challenges of moving, especially with children in tow. In a study of 5000 children [3], researchers found that children over five years are significantly impacted by moving and experience more stress and emotional breakdown than children below 5.
But with the proper preparation and some know-how, you and your family can make the most of this new chapter in your family’s life by creating memories that will last a lifetime. In this blog post, you will find what to expect from your children during the move (age by age) and some helpful coping strategies to make the process less stressful for them. So, let’s dive in!
 Like adults, kids also go through an emotional roller coaster while moving. For them, leaving school, leaving friends, and changing surroundings are incredibly stressful. Here’s what you can expect and how to cope with their reactions, age by age.
What to Expect When Moving with Kids?
As discussed earlier, moving with kids can be both an exciting and stressful experience. You must manage your own emotions and anxieties about the move, and you must also cope with your children’s emotional and physical reactions. Here are a few things you can expect from them when preparing for a move (in general):
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Fear and anxiety
Fear and anxiety are normal responses when moving to a new home, and taking the time to understand and acknowledge those feelings is essential.Â
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Anger and sadness
Your children may likely become angry or sad during the move, and it’s essential to provide a supportive environment to help them cope with those feelings.
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Disruptive sleeping patterns
It’s common for children’s sleep patterns to be disrupted during a move, so creating a calming environment with familiar bedding and routines is essential.Â
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Changes in appetiteÂ
Changes in appetite can also occur due to stress, so you must provide healthy meals and snacks to help your child maintain their energy levels.Â
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Bedwetting or regression
 In the case of toddlers, it’s also possible that bedwetting or regression in toilet training may occur due to the stressful situation, and it’s important to remain understanding and supportive.
How to Cope with Moving with Kids
Here’s how you can cope with moving with kids of different ages.
1. Moving with Babies and ToddlersÂ
Moving with babies and toddlers is relatively more straightforward than with children of other ages. However, little ones thrive on routine and familiarity, and any disruption can cause them stress and anxiety. To help ease the transition, here are some tips to keep your babies and toddlers comfortable and secure during the move:
- Â Stick to familiar routines as much as possible, including feeding and sleeping schedules
- Pack a separate bag with your baby or toddler’s essentials, such as diapers, wipes, formula, and their favorite toys and blankets.
- Keep your baby or toddler’s sleeping arrangements similar to their old space.
- Make sure to childproof your new home before your little one arrives
- Consider hiring a sitter or asking a family member to watch your baby or toddler on a moving day to keep them safe and secure
2. Moving with PreschoolersÂ
Preschoolers may be excited about the move but can be more vocal about their concerns and fears. Moving to a new home can be challenging for preschoolers, who may want to stay in their toys and favorite belongings. They may need help deciding what to pack and leave [4]. Also, they may feel that your frustration while moving is due to them.Â
Here are some tips for how to handle the challenges that come with moving with preschoolers:
- Talk to your preschooler about the move and ask them how they feel about it.
- Involve your preschooler in the moving process, such as packing their toys and belongings. Also, let them know the benefits of sharing their belongings with others who may need them.
- Keep the lines of communication open and answer any questions they may have.
- Reassure your preschooler that they will still have familiar toys, books, and blankets in the new home.
- Try to keep some familiar routines in place and establish new ones as soon as possible.
3. Moving with School-Aged KidsÂ
Moving with school-aged kids can be the most challenging, as they will likely be more invested in their friendships and school activities. Leaving their friends and surroundings can make them feel depressed.
Here are some tips for preparing your school-aged kids for the move and managing the challenges that come with it:
- Involve your kids in the decision-making process and explain the reasons for the move.
- Research the new school and share information about it with your kids.
- Visit the new neighborhood and explore the community with your kids.
- Talk to your kids about ways to make new friends and tell them they can still get in touch with old ones via Zoom or other apps.
- Â Stay in communication with your child’s teacher to help your child adjust to the new school routine.
Practical Tips for Moving with Kids
Here are some practical moving tips you may consider while moving with kids.
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Packing and labeling
Moving with kids can be a chaotic experience. To keep things organized, label boxes and create a checklist of items that have been packed. This can also help keep track of toys and other items necessary for your children. Get them involved if you have older children by assigning them their boxes to pack and label.
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Finding a new school
Start researching potential schools in your new area as soon as you know your moving date. Make sure to visit each school to get a feel for the environment and how it meets your family’s needs. Ask questions like what programs they offer, sports teams, or extra-curricular activities they provide.
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Getting to know the new community
Take the time to explore your new surroundings and discover what your new city or town offers. You can look online for local attractions or activities such as parks, museums, or playgrounds that could be fun for the whole family.Â
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Hire Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers to help manage your move and make it easier is best. So you can focus and spend more time with your kids.
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Creating a new routine
Having a sense of structure is important for all family members when dealing with the stress of a move. Try to establish a new daily routine as quickly as possible. This may include making dinner at a particular time every night or setting a bedtime that everyone in the family follows. It can also be helpful to create a regular schedule for homework and chores so everyone knows what is expected of them.
Conclusion
The process of moving can be difficult and exhausting for anyone, especially if you’re moving with kids or moving with elderly parents, as they are more prone to stress due to emotional attachment to their surroundings and leaving their best buddies. In this blog, you know some reactions of the kids with moving and sure-fire tips on coping with their stress and building a sense of empathy with them.Â
FAQs
1. How long does it take kids to adjust to moving?
According to researchers, Adults and kids can often take as long as 16 months [2] to settle in a new place. While the more stressful time for some is two weeks before and after the move.
2. How do I help my child cope with moving?
To cope with your child moving, the best you can do is to spend more time with them [1] and let them know that you care about their emotions.
3. What age is the hardest for kids to move?
Children over the age of 5 have the most severe effects of moving. It is difficult for them to split with friends and adjust to a new school during this crucial developmental stage.Â
References:Â
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/13/parenting/moving-tips-kids
[2]https://www.bekins.com/2013/04/08/understanding-children-moving-with-children-to-a-new-home
[3]https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-kids-moving-idUSKCN0SV2JT20151106
[4]https://www.bekins.com/2013/04/08/understanding-children-moving-with-children-to-a-new-home/