9 Ways to help your kids adjust to a new city

Moving out of your comfortable home to a new one is never easy, and is especially worse for children. It is therefore important to make moving to your new home stress-free and as comfortable as possible for your children. There are 9 ways to help your kids adjust to a new city that we will be discussing today.

The main goal when moving to a new home is to take care of everyone's mental and emotional health, including yours because that’s usually the main thing that will be affected by the change.

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 Below are the 9 ways you can help your kids adjust:

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1. Tell them ahead of time
2. Get them involved in the moving process
3. Let them pick their room
4. Familiarize them with the area
5. Make mummy friends with children of the same age group
6. School gatherings
7. Playdates
8. Host your children's birthday at your house
9. Allow them to express themselves

1. TELL THEM AHEAD OF TIME

Once you’ve decided on the move and have a moving date ready, start discussing the move with your children. Telling your children early will better prepare them mentally and may avoid breakdowns when moving day comes.

Find out how they feel, and allow them to take in the news at their own pace. Don't expect your children to immediately accept the change, as most kids can be in denial and may “grieve” the process. Talk to your kids about the change at least twice before you move and see where they are at mentally.

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2. ‍GET THEM INVOLVED IN THE MOVING PROCESS

When you’re done talking to your children about the move, start getting them involved in the planning, packing, and moving process. This will get their minds off of what’s to come and get them excited.

You can start by asking what they would like to do to help. If they have no idea, suggest packing their room (with your supervision, of course). Packing their own space will make them feel like they’re part of the family and that their involvement and help is appreciated. Reassure them and give them a reward when they've finished packing.

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‍PRO TIP: Show them a map of the area you’re moving to. Go to Google Earth and show them the area. If you’re moving close to your current city, drive to that area and show them in person.

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3. LET THEM PICK THEIR ROOM

Once you’ve moved into your new home, have them pick their room if that’s possible. Allow your children to furnish and personalize them to their liking. Help them decorate and pick the colors and have them unpack their room too.

Unpacking should be easy if the boxes are labeled and placed where they should be. Assist your child with this if necessary.

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4. FAMILIARIZE THEM WITH THE AREA

As we mentioned before, familiarise your children with the new area. Here are a few suggestions on how to do that:

• Walk - go for a walk around your new neighborhood so you make them familiar with it.
• Park or play area - walk or drive to the nearest park or play area and have them play and possibly make friends while there.
• School - take them to their new school before school starts and, if possible, have them meet their teachers and classmates at that time.

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5. MAKE MUMMY FRIENDS WHO HAVE CHILDREN OF THE SAME AGE GROUP

When your kids start school and/or sports. Make sure you’re present so you can make mummy friends, and that way, you’ll help your kids make friends and feel a little less anxious. Yes, making friends isn’t easy, but involve yourself and your kids in community gatherings to increase your chances of making friends.

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6. SCHOOL GATHERINGS

‍ School events and gatherings are always a great way for your children to meet other children and make friends. Attend these with your children and socialize.

Some children struggle with social skills, so remember not to force things. If your child feels uncomfortable around a lot of people and wants to leave the gathering or doesn't wish to attend at all, it is okay to leave and try again next time.

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7. PLAYDATES

Organize a few play dates with your mummy friends. That is a great way for your children to make friends in the area.

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8. HOST YOUR CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAYS AT YOUR HOUSE

Host your children's birthdays and invite neighbors and school friends. Have them choose school friends they’d like to have over if any. Also, involve them in the birthday planning process.

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9. ALLOW THEM TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES

We all know, and as we’ve discussed in this article, that moving isn’t easy for anyone. The whole process of starting over can be very daunting and emotionally draining for everyone involved. Children have a harder time with moving because they’re leaving school, friends, and the comfort that they’re so used to. It is therefore your responsibility as a parent to understand your child's feelings.

Some days will be hard and they may cry, refuse to leave their room, or even stop talking to you. With all the changes happening, you should remember to be patient and listen to what they have to say. Have them stay in contact with their old friends. Some children will adapt quickly to the move and others won’t, so you need to understand that.

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‍LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE MOVING COMPANY?

‍We understand that it is hard to find a reliable company to handle your move, but don't worry, Capital City Movers is here for you. Our team of experts is here to help make your move as stress-free as possible. Give us a call at (718) 619 4881 for a FREE QUOTE and visit our website for more information.

Remember to trust the process and talk to your children to make sure they are okay. Involve them in the moving process so they feel excited and positive about the move. We hope your new journey will be a great one. With that, Happy Moving!