Moving with children and teenagers can be challenging. The needs and concerns of various ages are very different from each other.
However, there are several things that are very important for all ages. One of the most important things for children and teenagers is that there is some sort of structure in their lives.
Young children need a set schedule, and both children and teens need to feel like they have some control in their life. While the entire family is undoubtedly moving, be sure to let them know what is going on, what the plans are, and how previous plans have changed as soon as you know about the changes yourself.
This will help them feel they are an important member of the family, more secure, and loved. This communication will help them adjust much more easily to the move.
As soon as you arrive in your new destination, encourage your children to become involved in the new community in something they enjoy. Various activities may include the local art club, sports, student councils, or many others.
The sooner they are able to make new friends, the better they will adjust and the happier they will be. By becoming productive and involved it will be much harder for them to fall into the ruts of depression and loneliness.
Before your children’s first day in their new school, take them for a tour around it so they see other students and meet their new teachers. Having a reassuring, encouraging parent there can help your children route feelings of fear and uncertainty and be more ready to start making friends the first day of school.
If your children continue to be uncertain and scared of school, consider volunteering at the school so they feel like they have a place to go if things go wrong. They will feel supported and will realize that the new school is not so bad.
Extra-curricular and after-school activities will help your children develop talents and make new friends. These activities are very important in the full development of your children.
Talk to your children’s old activities advisers and see if they know any good activity programs in your new area. With these recommendations you will be able to trust the new coaches and teachers with your children much easier.
To reduce the stress and irritability of the family while moving, set aside at least one more week than you think you will need for packing. Packing always takes longer than expected anyway so it is even better to add a little more time to reduce tense feelings in the family that may lead to argument and hurt feelings.
It is very important to keep very young children on the same schedule as normal. Feed them breakfast at the normal time and put them to bed at the normal time as much as possible.
It will also help young children to set up their new room in a similar fashion to the old one. Familiar surroundings make it easier to adjust.
Pets may also have a hard time adjusting. When you arrive to the new home, do not let the dog or cat roam around outside immediately.
The pet may become run off while exploring and become lost. The dog or cat may never be found.
Instead, consider putting it in one room of the house to adjust to the smells and noises. It will learn that this is home now.
Gradually, let the animal explore the whole house. Then, let it out under supervision for increasing periods of time.
When you are sure the animal knows this is home and how to find it again, it can stay outside. It can be as important to your children that the pet adjusts well as it is to the animal.
The pets can assist in helping children adjust to the move as a companion and stress reliever. Moving does not have to be a huge trial.
With the proper encouragement children, teenagers, and pets can all adjust easily.
Terry Daniels is a resident of Utah and has written hundreds of articles relating to tourism and real estate. He recommends (http://www.parksedgeparkcity.com) for your next home in Park City.
|
|