The good news is that the economy is improving and this brings a flood of interest in moving to new homes and apartments. That can spell bad news for kids who don't want to move and worry they won't be able to make new friends. In a recent survey by Rent.com, almost 70% of the respondents say they move at least once during their child's school years and most are concerned about how their child will do in a new neighborhood.
Many families will opt to move during the summer, making this month a time of transition. The basics of moving furniture and prepping to leave a home are covered on most web sites including Move Central that has this time saving tip, "move dressers with drawers full to avoid repacking."
Knowing what to do is not as easy when it comes to moving with children, especially a tween. Here are a tips from Rent.com:
- Be up front: Tell your tween as soon as possible about the move so they have time to adjust to the idea of change. Give your kids as much information as you can about the upcoming move and answer their questions truthfully. Involve them in the moving preparations by talking to them about the places you're seeing and share photos or videos of potential new homes. This will help them feel valued in the process and will help you uncover what's most important to them in a new home.
- Take care of special items including Mr. Bun Bun: Whether it's their favorite music collection or stuffed animal, give your tween a box to pack their favorite things. Make sure you keep these in a special place during the move so they don't get lost or end up on a moving truck that might result in a long separation from your child.
- Making space personal: To help your tween feel truly at home in his or new new place, give freedom to decorate the bedroom and make it a comfortable space. Allowing them to choose their paint color, curtains, bedding and décor will get them more excited about the move, help them feel more in control and ultimately give them a safe haven from the stress of a new city.
- New best friends: There can never be a replacement for your child's first best friend. Be sure you allow time for your tween to express grief over losing that friendship. Look for ways to get them involved with the things they already love to do will put them at ease and help them make friends that much quicker.
- Around town and school: To reduce some of the anxiety, find ways to help your child learn his or her way around the new neighborhood and school. Make it fun by turning into a scavenger hunt; even running errands can be fun if your kids are trying to guess what store you're headed to next!
Got moving tweens tips to share? Add them in the comment section below.
Comments
It is very hard on tweens if you decide to move them somewhere new like a new state during their teenage years especially if they still have a few years left of middle school or if they already started at a high school. It is especially hard if they have family between the two states because then they are not sure of where they belong as they get older and where home is.
Obviously families nowadays have to do what's best for their family economically speaking but if you can try and wait to move your tweens, waiting is better. Try to do it right after they graduate middle school and before they get to high school, etc. This way they won't feel like they had unfinished business to do/left their friends behind/teams, etc.
It is hard on teens when a move is necessary. We have moved so many times it seems like it is natural but it takes a toll on all of us. These are great suggestions to help the teen with a relocation.
Relocating is hard on everyone...especially teens and those who are popular and involved in many school activities. Thanks for the ideas and suggestions for all age children - it affects them too but not quite the same way.
I mention moving as another source of loss for kids. They may be facing so many new things (new house, town, school, friends), that they become depressed. Kids hate change for the most part, so take heed of their emotions during your move.
Thanks Liza, for bringing this to movers' attention!
Wonderful ideas for a very hard time. Parents need this advice, I have subscribed and I am passing your site along!
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