Moving with Children, The Stress Free Adventure
Moving to a new location can be a hard experience for anyone, but for a child it can be downright traumatic. Identifying ways to ensure your child's experience is a positive one is a vital part of the move preparation process.
Online, January 2, 2014 (Newswire.com) - According to the United States Census Bureau, one in five families move to a new home every year.
Moving to a new location can be a hard experience for anyone, but for a child it can be downright traumatic. Oftentimes, the only bedroom they've ever known is the one they are losing, so identifying ways to ensure your child's experience is a positive one can be a vital part of the move preparation process.
Jerome Marsh, The Operations Manager at Two Men and A Truck in Cincinnati, Ohio, encourages his movers to meet the child at his or her level. Once the child feels comfortable with the people who are hired to move the entire contents of their life, the anxiety is diffused and the child is more apt to join in the adventure.
There are several things to consider when moving with small ones. One is to harness the good in change and turn the move into a grand adventure. You can even plan a fun event after the move is complete. Make a favorite meal or buy a new piece of furniture you know they'll love, like a bean bag, canopy netting for the bed, an inexpensive tent for the new room or a wall decal of their favorite cartoon character.
You can remove much of the unknown for children by planning ahead. Keep the move a daily topic, especially as the move nears. You'll pick up on anxiety triggers allowing you to head off potential issues. Also, pack several favorite toys in a carry-on that never leaves the child's side. Keeping their favorite things close is a sure-fire way to curry comfort and reduce anxiety.
Also, If you hire professional movers, make introductions with them and your children on move day. Jerome explains that he makes it a point to hire movers who care about pets and kids, and there are countless stories of his teams going above and beyond for clients' loved ones. While moving can be stress-filled, Jerome says his movers know they are hired to minimize this to any degree they're able.
Make it a point to take advantage of opportunities to be inclusive with your children. Many kids just want to feel like they have a part in the process. There are many opportunities that give them a role while keeping them out of the fray. Ensure their special tasks are safe but rewarding.
If you and your chosen movers handle your children's experience with TLC, your move will be memorable for all the right reasons.
