Moving to a new place can be hectic but quite adventurous as well. But not for kids. Kids often find it difficult to adjust to a new place or city. Meeting new people, making new friends, and adjusting to a new lifestyle can be intimidating for kids. But with proper planning and tips, you can help your kids adjust to a new city quickly and smoothly.
1. Talk About the Move
Wait to inform the kids about moving to the new place right before the arrival of your pick-up truck. This might come as a shock to them. Instead, you can start talking about moving a few months in advance to help your kids adjust to moving to a new place. Once finalized, sit with your child and discuss every detail of the move. Right from why are you all moving, which city, what’s great about the new city, schools in the new place and so on. Share as much detail as you can to inform the child. Give them time beforehand to say bye to their friends, teachers, or any beloved person. Tell them how they can remain in touch with their good friends even after moving to put their minds at ease.
2. Plan a Trip
If you have some time in hand and are not moving immediately, consider going on a field trip with your little one. Show them some historical places, houses you have shortlisted, their new school, new neighborhood, etc. Involve your child as much as possible to give them an idea about the new place so that it does not feel strange. And if you don’t have time for the trip, show a few glimpses of the new place on the new net to excite them.
3. Follow the Same Routine
Do not change your routine with your child immediately after moving to a new place. This might go poorly with your child and will make adjusting to the new place harder. Always follow the old routine with your child, no matter how busy you are or how extensive your to-do list is. Be it story time, walk in the park every evening, exploring new cuisines every weekend, and so on. Maintaining the old routine will make your child feel safe and secure and assure them that certain things will not change, at least for some time. Once your child gets comfortable and at ease with the new surroundings, discuss with them whether they can have a new routine. If so, then what do you think can be done? Make your child part of the discussion and listen to their advice.
4. Let Them Decide Few Things
Let your kids choose their new room, its decorations, new sheets, paint color, and so on. Let your little one call the shots for at least some things. This will allow them to have some sense of control in the new place, making it easier for them to adjust. If you haven’t decided on their school, take them along to see which school’s environment and activities they like the most for a smooth transition.
Always remember, as an adult, it will be easier for you to adjust to a new place, but for kids, the transition is not as smooth. They need an ample amount of time to call a new place their home. So don’t force them to accept the change and involve your kids as much as you can while moving to a new place for quicker adjustment.
