Moving with kids can be a challenging experience for the whole family. At The Halyard Group, we understand the emotional impact relocation can have on children.
This guide offers practical strategies to help your kids say goodbye to their old home and get excited about their new adventure. We’ll explore age-specific approaches, creative farewell ideas, and tips for building enthusiasm about the move.
How Moving Affects Children
Emotional Impact
Moving can significantly impact children, as there is an emotional component to transitioning into a new space, especially when upsizing. At The Halyard Group, we’ve observed how relocation affects kids of all ages. Studies show children who move frequently are more likely to have problems at school. Moves are even more difficult if accompanied by other significant changes. Parents should prepare for mood swings and create a safe environment for kids to express their feelings.
Age-Specific Reactions
Children’s reactions to moving vary greatly based on their age:
- Toddlers might not fully understand the concept but can sense the stress around them.
- School-age children often worry about making new friends and fitting in at a new school.
- Teenagers might strongly resist the move, as it disrupts their social circles and sense of identity.
Long-Term Effects
While moving presents short-term challenges, it can also influence child development. Research indicates that children who move frequently are more likely to perform poorly in school and have more behavioural problems. However, the effects of moving on children can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Mitigating Negative Impacts
To minimize negative effects, maintain open communication with your children throughout the moving process. Encourage them to share their concerns and involve them in decision-making where possible. This approach can help children feel more in control and better equipped to handle the changes ahead.
Unique Responses
Every child will react differently to moving. Some may embrace the change as an exciting adventure, while others might struggle with the transition. Parents should stay attuned to their child’s individual needs and provide consistent support. This personalized approach can transform a potentially stressful experience into an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
As we move forward, let’s explore effective strategies to help your children say goodbye to their old home and get excited about what’s next.
How to Help Kids Say Goodbye
Saying goodbye can be challenging for children. Here are some effective strategies to help your kids cope with leaving their old home:
Create a Memory Book
Create a memory book by clearing out backpacks and folders every single day and organizing kids’ school papers. This tangible keepsake allows them to revisit their old home whenever nostalgia strikes and can be a great comfort during the initial adjustment period.
Host a Farewell Party
Host a farewell party tailored to your child’s preferences. This event provides closure and creates one last happy memory with friends. Consider different price ranges and include ideas for décor, food, and games to make it a celebration your child will remember fondly.
Exchange Contact Information
Exchange contact information with close friends. Thanks to an abundance of social media outlets, children can stay in contact with old friends. Encourage your child to use social media to maintain connections, with appropriate parental guidance.
Plan a “Goodbye Tour”
Take your children on a tour of their favourite places in the neighbourhood. Visit the local park, their school, or favourite ice cream shop. This activity allows them to say goodbye to important locations and create final memories. Encourage them to take photos or collect small mementos from each spot to add to their memory book.
Create a Time Capsule
Work with your children to create a time capsule representing their life in the current home. Include items like school projects, favourite toys, or letters to their future selves. Bury it in the backyard (with the new homeowners’ permission) or take it with you to open in a few years. This project helps children reflect on their experiences and look forward to the future.
As we move forward, let’s explore effective strategies to build excitement for your children’s new home and help them look forward to their upcoming adventure.
How to Get Kids Excited About Their New Home
Moving to a new home can spark adventure for children when parents approach it with enthusiasm and creativity. Here are effective strategies to build excitement for your children’s new home.
Turn House Hunting into a Family Game
Transform house hunting into a fun family activity. Create fun activities, like scavenger hunts, for them during home viewings. Include items like “find the biggest closet” or “spot the coolest backyard feature.” This engages children in the process and helps them feel part of the decision-making. You can assign each child a specific room to “inspect” and report back on.
Explore the New Neighbourhood Together
After you choose the neighbourhood that fits with your family’s needs, take time to explore the surrounding area as a family. Visit local parks, ice cream shops, or community centres. Make it an adventure by creating a neighbourhood bingo card with items to spot (like “red door” or “dog walker”). This familiarizes children with their new environment and creates positive associations with the move.
Research and Plan Future Activities
Include your children in researching local activities and attractions. Create a family bucket list of places to visit or things to do in your new area. This could include local museums, sports teams, or annual festivals. Supporting your child’s hobbies and extracurricular activities can provide them with the relaxation and stability they need to help them successfully transition.
Personalize Their New Spaces
Allow your children to decorate their rooms. Let them choose paint colours, bedding, or décor items within reason. For younger kids, consider a theme they’re excited about (like space or underwater). Older children might appreciate a more mature design that reflects their evolving tastes. This personal touch helps them feel at home faster and gives them a space that’s truly their own.
Virtual Tours and Technology
Use technology to your advantage. Take virtual tours of the new house and neighbourhood if possible. This can help children visualize their new home before the move. You can also use mapping apps to explore the area virtually, pinpointing interesting locations and planning routes to school or other important places.
Final Thoughts
Moving with kids requires careful planning and emotional support. Parents can help their children navigate this transition smoothly through memory books, farewell parties, and involvement in house-hunting. Open communication throughout the moving process addresses children’s concerns and helps them feel secure during this change.
The Halyard Group specializes in helping families in the Greater Toronto Area upsize to larger homes. We offer expert guidance, decluttering, staging, and marketing services to ensure a seamless transition for your family. Our team takes a personalized approach to maximize the selling price of your current home and find a new one that meets your family’s evolving needs.
The Halyard Group prioritizes your family’s unique lifestyle and needs when you move with kids. We strive to make your move as stress-free as possible, allowing you and your children to focus on the excitement of your new adventure. Our expertise combined with your family’s resilience can transform moving into an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
Get in touch with us to start your family’s upsizing journey.
