Most people do not enjoy huge life changes, and this is especially true for children. It is easy to sympathize with this sentiment as a drastic life change, like moving somewhere new, can come with seemingly countless stressors. Of course, as parents we wish we did not have to put our kids through this change, but sometimes, these changes are inevitable However, you can make the transition easier as there are many useful tips to help your child adjust after a move.
Stay Connected
One of the biggest fears in the mind of your child is missing out on experiences with their old friends. Moreover, they will likely miss seeing and talking to their friends every day. Thankfully, as long as you have a secure wireless internet connection, your kids can easily stay in touch with their friends. If your child is younger, you might consider coordinating with the parents to set up a scheduled video call so the kids can have a virtual playdate. Also, you can encourage your child to write letters as another option to stay connected.
Open Their Minds
Your child might feel incredibly hesitant to move to an entirely new area, which is perfectly reasonable. Often, kids will compare their new surroundings with their previous home, and the new usually pales in comparison to the old. One of the best ways to help your child adjust after a move is to open their mind to new surroundings.
There are likely many fun activities for kids in your area that can help them warm up to the new place. You might also consider setting a time each weekend for a family activity that has you exploring the new area and experiencing all it has to offer.
Continue To Check In
Attending a new school is an inevitable part of moving that your child might wish they could avoid altogether. During this time, continue checking in with them on how they feel about everything in the adjustment process. It is best to establish a dialogue of complete trust so they can feel comfortable coming to you with anything they are struggling with.
While change is often inevitable, using these tips can help to make the transition a little more digestible while including them in the process.
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