RequestGetting The Kids Positive About Your Home Removal
Posted on 15/05/2014
When moving house, there can be many reasons as to why you would want the whole family involved. On a practical level, there is a lot to be said for splitting up the amount of work that needs doing, as it means that you have less on your plate, and delegation means that you can think more carefully about a couple of elements, rather than panicking about getting absolutely everything sorted! In another sense, there is also the fact that doing things as a family will bring you together, as it means increased interaction, trust, responsibility and achievement. This coming at a time where the family can be in quite a strange place emotionally is good, as the removal will hold both positives and negatives for all, and in varying degrees.If you have younger kids, then you may well have a bit of a battle on your hands. Being young means that the ability to see past the emotional aspect of things is rather difficult; your child will not understand the benefits of moving house for the whole family, but will focus on the negatives of being taken form a place that they know and the friends that they have there. If you are the sort who is keen to have everyone on a positive level, then having the younger kids involved in the decision making process can certainly give them the sort of responsibility over the move that reduces their panic about it all. You will hopefully find that being part of the move will remove the idea that the change is being done to them, and ensure that you are getting the best family experience together. Try taking the kids to house viewings, and have them pick out their potential rooms. Get them to pack up their toys into boxes, and write their names on the boxes. You can try giving them other jobs that they can get on with, all in order to keep them enjoying the process, rather than hating the fact that they have no say in the matter.With older children and teenagers, you have a similar problem in that whilst they may be able to understand why you have to move, their connections with the place are a lot stronger than those of a younger child. If you feel like your teens may not react well to the idea of the move, it is important to take them through the events or decisions that have led to the move being necessary, especially if it has bearing over you on a personal or financial level. The hope is that rather than being the aggressors in the situation, you will be softened and become more human, allowing them to see past the classic teenage trait of feeling everyone is out to get them! Unfortunately with older children and teens, the distraction of helping with the removal is not one that will work that well! Instead arranging a leaving party, or giving them some cash for a farewell night out may be a good way of showing them that you are sorry about having to move, and want them to be happy. Arrange for all kids’ friends to come over to the new pace when you are settled before you leave, as this will give them something to look forward to whilst the move is under way. Get the numbers of their friends’ parents, so that you can arrange further visits when needed.
