Moving with children: 6 tips

Are you moving soon and are your children excited about a new home? We give you 6 tips on how to prepare them for the new environment! 

1. Choose the right time to move

Try to plan your move wisely. For example, during the holidays and not when they have just started a new school. Avoid too many changes in a short space of time. 

2. Tell them in a positive way and at the right time

Be enthusiastic about the move and emphasise the advantages. The house will be bigger or the location better. Even if the move is the result of a negative event, try to remain as positive as possible. It will become cosier in the house or your child can choose something new for his room. Also try to choose the right moment when you tell them you are going to move. Age, of course, plays a role here. For toddlers, a week's notice is sufficient. So you can show them where you are going to live. 

3. Read books or watch films about moving together

Stories can be used to explain difficult things to children in a fun way. And that's also true of moving house. 

4. Find a new school or crèche in time

If you move to a new place of residence, your child may also have to attend a new school or nursery. Do something about this quickly. Many nurseries and schools have waiting lists. Have you found a new school or nursery? Then ask if your child can already join a trial afternoon. Then it can make new friends and get to know the teachers. This will also make it a lot less scary.

5. Let your child pack

Involve your child as much as possible. It will make the move more tangible and your child will be happy to contribute to the move. Let your child pack his/her own toys or do you have a toddler? Let your child draw on the moving boxes. 

6. Organise a farewell moment

If your child has to change schools, tell the teacher well in advance about the move so that the class can make a farewell gift or organise a farewell moment on the last day of school. It is also always fun to organise a farewell party at home with family and/or friends. Make some nice memories and before everything is in boxes, take some pictures of nice corners. 

Source: ikgaverhuizen