Moving to a new place can be exciting for adults, but for children, it can be a stressful and confusing experience. As a parent, it’s essential to communicate with your kids about the move to help them feel more comfortable and involved in the process. Here are three tips on how to talk to your kids about moving:
- Be Honest and Open It’s essential to be honest and open with your kids about the move, explain the reasons for the move, and what they should expect. They might feel anxious and afraid of the unknown, but by explaining the reasons behind the move, you can help them understand that it’s a positive change for the family.
- Involve Them in the Process Involve your kids in the process of moving, including packing their belongings, choosing their new room’s design, and even exploring the new neighborhood. By doing this, you can make them feel like they have control over the situation and help them feel more comfortable with the upcoming changes.
- Listen and Validate Their Feelings It’s crucial to listen to your kids’ feelings and validate them, whether they’re excited, sad, or anxious about the move. Let them express their emotions and provide support and reassurance to help them feel more comfortable with the upcoming changes.
Moving can be a challenging experience for kids, but by communicating with them honestly, involving them in the process, and listening and validating their feelings, you can help them feel more comfortable and positive about the move.
A quick story:
When my dad was transferred the summer before my senior year of high school, I was devastated. I had spent my entire life in the same small town, and the thought of starting over in a new place, with new people, seemed overwhelming. However, looking back, I can now see that the experience taught me a lot and gave me valuable life skills that I still use today.
At the time, I felt like my world was falling apart. I had to leave all of my friends behind, and I didn’t know anyone in the new town. I was also worried about starting a new school, especially in my senior year when I was supposed to be focusing on college applications.
However, as the days went by, I started to see the benefits of the move. For one thing, I learned to be more independent. Without my old support system, I had to learn to take care of myself and rely on my own judgment. I also learned how to make friends in a new environment, which is a valuable skill that I still use today.
When it was time to apply to college, I was much more confident and independent than I would have been if I had stayed in my old town. I was comfortable with the idea of going to a school where I didn’t know anyone, and I was excited to start a new chapter in my life.
After college, I moved to a big city for grad school, again not knowing anyone. But by then, I was comfortable walking into a situation not knowing anyone and doing my own thing. I had learned how to adapt and thrive in new environments, and I was excited to start this new chapter in my life.
Looking back, I can see that the move was tough at the time, but it taught me so much. It gave me the skills and confidence to take on new challenges and thrive in new environments. I’m grateful for the experience, and I know that it played a big part in shaping who I am today.
Thinking of moving or investing and need a referral for a Real Estate Broker, we can help connect you: email us at TEAM@McDanielCallahan.com, fill in the form below or call 925-838-4300. Terry McDaniel DRE license #00941526
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