Moving is stressful enough, but it can become incredibly hectic when kids are involved. Infants might not mind the scenery change, but older kids can have some real trouble with the adjustment. Although your kids can get used to the new way of living, it’s likely to come with some resistance. These are four reasons kids have such a hard time moving.
Missing Friends
Childhood friendships aren’t just a way for your kids to pass the time and have fun. These are close bonds that help them figure out what they like and what sort of traits they value in others. When you tell your kids you’re moving; their mind is likely to go to the friends they won’t get to see. It’s understandable for them to be upset about this, as a close friend isn’t someone you can just replace. Show your kids that you understand this and why they’re sad or angry. Work out a plan to keep up with their friends back home, such as through video chat.
Change in Routine
People do the same things every day because they’re comfortable. However, adults can change things up, such as trying a new breakfast or taking a new route to work, much more quickly than kids do. If you’re moving away, your kids will have to say goodbye to things they always thought would be there. They might mourn losing their bedroom or the backyard, even if they’ll eventually have new ones. It’s pretty disorienting to have everything you knew change at once. This is especially true when it comes to changing schools. Don’t be caught off-guard if your child protests their new surroundings. With time and work, they can learn to love it like they did their old ones.
Stress
Kids can get stressed, but they don’t necessarily have the awareness or vocabulary to realize that’s what’s going on. Although your kids might not be packing the boxes or speaking with realtors, they can still feel stressed out about a move. While you’re looking for homes for sale in Temecula, they might be getting incredibly worked out and start throwing a fit. This isn’t likely to be much help for the stress you’re going through, but you still need to act like a parent. Teach your children about how negative feelings are normal and okay to have, but that they’re responsible for their behavior. Use deep-breathing belly exercises to show them how to win against stress. You can help them to reach a calmer state much faster and help stop tantrums before they happen.
Rebellion
If you’re moving with teenagers, you have to get ready for them protesting the move, much like they oppose everything else you offer. This might make you long for the days when they were toddlers and would just kick and scream for a while. The closer your kids get to adulthood, the more they need to show maturity and understanding. Respectfully talking with them shows that you care about them and that you want the best for them. Explain the move and why it’s necessary. They might not want to listen and continue to sulk, but at least you did what you could.
A move can seem like an overhaul to everything your child knows and holds dear. It shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s so tough for so many. Perhaps you moved as a kid and remembered how difficult it was? There may be difficult times with your kids and this move, but you can definitely help them feel better and eventually love their new home.
