Moving with kids

A common mistake among parents when moving is to not involve their children only when it is necessary.

One of the major reasons that kids tent to be depressed by the move in not necessarily the moving idea it self, but more the stress of their parents. Even if one of the parents is against the move it is important to try to keep all arguments and conversations about the issue away from the kids.

Not letting the children actively participate in the moving process, could have a devastating effect on them and create a difficult adjusting to their new environment.

Children pass 1 st grade do not take the move necessity with great understanding at these ages and up the children are getting much attached to their friends and are affected by peer group.

If your son or daughter are in the last year to graduation and of course if possible check if you could leave them with a friends family until the year is over.

Here's a couple of simple to follow tips which hopefully will help your children to have a smooth move:

Tell the kids you have to move,

Tell them why you need to move

If possible consult with your children and present them with the options you have for the new house. Let them be as much a part of the move as possible.

Show the children maps, photographs and any information you could find, of course younger kids will be more influenced visually then verbally.

"Seduce" them by telling them about all the great fun places you can go and do there. Parents' activities with the kids are much more important to kids then activities with friends.

Mk and maybe some snacks for the first days of settling in your new home. ake sure each member of your family has a moving bag / suitcase ready.

This bag should include clothing, a favorite toy or game, CD, boo

In case the moving truck with your beds will arrive after you to the apartment you will need to make preparations for the period between the getting to the new house till the movers truck arrival, unloaded and unpacked.

Pack a family bag as well that will have all sleeping necessities, sheets, pillows, tooth brushes and pastes and such for the first days at your new residence until you get to unpack all boxes.

Try to pack the younger kids rooms last, to minimize disruptions to their life.

You can use the Moving Game method:

• Describe your children the move as a huge game involving all the family.
• Give them mission and see who gets as many mission first.
• Reward them for each completed mission.
• By making the moving period fun for the kids, the move will be easier on you and help the kids with adjusting to their new surrounding.
• Do not forget to take pictures of the entire move process.
• Do not play the game as pirates are coming and you need to escape or anything resemble, it is important the game will not have a negative side.

Involving the kids with the move process would in most cases turn up as a good idea.

Let your children help with packing, sorting, disassembling and recycling things, your children will not only learn from the experience, but will also make them feel more like a part of the family.

Let the kids pick up toys, clothes and other items which can be useful for others and are not really necessary to them or you. You can donate those items to a local charity or try to sell them in a garage sale.

By "getting rid" of those items you are easing up on the volume / weight of your load.

Do the same with your own items to show the kids the importance of donating and explain them to whom are you donating and who are you donating to.

Do not forget to pack also all the medical, school and other documents of the kids,

When packing your own important documents that are rather carried by you then by the moving company,

Arrange a good-bye party from all your children friends it will probably help better with younger children.

Do not forget to order important services such as Electricity, Gas, Phone, cable TV and internet to allow a smooth entry to the new residence.

Plan ahead for a place to eat or buy food when you've finally reached your new home to feed your hungry family.

After having a good meal, it is best that one of the parents will go and play or do something fun with the kids while the other parent start unpacking and prepare the new home for the first night.

It could be a nice surprise for the kids and a good activity for the first hours, if when you open the door at your new home they would find a surprise gift. It does not have to be an expensive gift, but even installing a basketball net and presenting them with ball it self could be a great surprise.

Organize younger kids' rooms first. It is vital for the kids adapting to his new that he has a familiar surrounding.

After the move is completed make sure the kids are not getting bored. Sign them up to the same activities he used to like and participate in your previous residence.

Take trips with them to close fun attractions, such as lakes, amusement parks or anything else you know will excite them.

Visit your kids at their schools or new after school activities.

f one of your children is depressed and you cannot talk him or her out of it, consider asking a professional help. The problem will not go by itself. Ask your doctor for proper referrals.