Preparing Your Child for a New Home

Let's face it. Moving to a new home can be challenging for all members of the family, especially children who may associate the move with a loss of their friends or of a safe and familiar environment. Luckily, there are ways to prepare children so they feel involved in the process and excited about things like their new room, swimming pool or a nearby park. Following these five tips will help ensure your move is a positive experience for the whole family:

1. Talk About the Move. Start preparing your child for a new home by talking to them about the move as early as possible. According to netdoctor.co.uk, this will give them time to get used to the idea and will make them feel included in the process. Dr. Neil Harris suggests giving children a lot of facts and information about their new home, and be prepared to answer questions.

2. Tour Your New Neighborhood. If possible, take your child to visit your new home a few times before moving day. Show them their room and involve them in the design decisions for it, such as paint color and decor. Be sure to emphasize qualities that you know they'll be excited about, like a bigger bedroom or backyard to play in. Also, go for a family tour of the neighborhood pointing out parks, trails or other nearby amenities that they'll appreciate.

3. Prepare for Moving Day. If your children are old enough, have them help pack their own things. This will help them feel more secure about where their things are and help them understand that they will all be at your new home. On moving day, take time to bid farewell to your old home with your child by sharing good memories and giving the house one last look before locking up. Take photos in areas that children may be sentimental about so they can look back at them for comfort.

4. Make Their Room a Priority. Once you've got the necessities unpacked, dedicate time to setting up your child's room. Having this special space where they're surrounded by familiar toys and decor will make them feel safe and secure in their new home. Allow your children to unpack some of their own boxes and decide where things should go so they will begin to make the space their own.

5. Get Back to a Regular Routine. Children thrive in their normal routine, so get back to it as soon as you can. Stick to usual bedtimes, meals and playtimes to keep children on track. Their familiar routine will make them feel at ease and comfortable and before you know it, they'll enjoy their new home as much as you do.

With a little communication and planning, moving to a new home can be a positive experience for children and the whole family. Do you have any moving tips that worked well with your children? Please share them with us below or on Facebook or Twitter!