Coping With The Chaos Of Kids During The Big Move

Is there ever a hectic situation that your kids successfully make things less stressful instead of heaping more on? The search for that rarity continues. It certainly isn’t true of moving home. Moving can be both exciting and scary but all the activity and bustle can get your kids more than a little chaotic. How do you make sure they’re not only adding to the pressure of an already stressful time?

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Ensure they’re onboard

Your child might not act out because they’re overstimulated, but rather because they’re naturally fearful about what’s happening. If you don’t take the time to prepare your children for the move, what else are they supposed to expect? Talk to them about what’s going to happen on moving day, take them to see the new home before you move, and help them see the positive sides of starting life in a new home while addressing their fears of the negative consequences, too. Some of these might be misunderstandings, like assuring them you’re not packing their toys away to throw them out, but others are real concerns. They might be worried about going to a new school or leaving friends behind and letting them voice those fears is important.

Get help

Planning a move on your own can be difficult at the best of times. Doing it when you have children is next-to-impossible. Enlist the help of friends if you can, but be willing to rely on services like https://www.mybekins.com/locations/alexandria-va-movers/ that can take some of the burden off your shoulders. If you can entrust someone to play childminder for the moving day, it can be a great relief to know you can focus on the move without having to worry about your child, too.

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The long road ahead

If it’s a long-distance move, then there’s most likely going to be a long-distance drive ahead of you as well. While you’re focused on getting there in time to help the movers, your child is struggling with boredom and anticipation. For that reason, make sure that you have plenty of activities, snacks, and distractions prepared for the road trip. Bring art supplies with you, find an audiobook for them, or let them play with their tablet if they have one. I can make the drive peaceful, at least.

Make it an adventure

If they’re apprehensive about the new home when you arrive, that’s understandable. Most adults also need some time to acclimate. But you can make it a lot easier if you treat it like a big adventure and focus on the most exciting aspects. If you have daylight left, you can take a walk around the neighborhood and explore with them. If you don’t have time to unpack fully at night, pack a tent in your overnight bag and camp in your new backyard with tips from http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/backyard-camping-ideas/.

Moving is stressful. There’s a lot you can do to make it go more smoothly, but by its nature, it is a taxing endeavor. Hopefully, the tips above can at least make sure your kids aren’t adding to it too much.