Keep Your Kids Involved In Your Move: You’ll Be Happier and So Will They 

Everyone knows that moving is stressful, but did you know that it can be especially difficult for your children if you leave them out of the planning? Being involved in decision making, packing and unpacking can help them to feel more in control and ready for the change. Here’s how:   

1. Pack their room last and unpack it first in the new home. 
2. Stick to the old meal and bedtime routines throughout the move to give them a sense of familiarity. 
3. Hire movers – you will thank yourself and you’ll have more time to help your children.  
4. Include your kids in some decisions: decorations, new plates, which new park to visit first. 
5. Find child and pet care for moving day to alleviate stress.  
6. Involve the kids in unpacking so they feel more invested. Prepare them mentally but be prepared for anxiety – adjusting can take up to 6 months. 
7. Get them pumped about their new school by taking a tour or even walking or driving by.  
8. Help them create a memory book of the old house, school, neighborhood, friends, babysitter. 
9. Remember to practice self-care so that you’re on top of your game for your children.   

Now that you have some ideas of how to involve your kids in the planning process, make it fun. If it’s a game instead of a chore, everyone will enjoy it more and feel ready for the move. 

You will still be stressed, but much less so when everyone is pitching in to help.   

Author  Alexis Hall is a single mom to three kids. She created SingleParent.info to provide support and advice for the many families out there with only one parent in the household. She works as an in-home health nurse. When she isn’t working or spending time with her kids, she enjoys running and hiking and is currently training for a triathlon.