But children may not see things the same way, particularly if they have close pals and/or family where they live already. The thought of moving to a different school and away from established relationships can create a great deal of angst in children.
While it can be difficult for kids to move away from familiar people, places, and things, there are things you need to do to aid the transition to Little Rock.
Honest Communication
Make sure they know what is going on each stage down the way. Children must feel secure to express their worries as well as asking questions so be able to offer information and answer any questions they might have. While some of their thoughts and worries may be negative, be ready with understanding and optimistic answers. Make sure to not brush off their concerns but, rather, acknowledge their concerns and explain ways that you can work together to overcome them.
Introduce Them to Their New Home in Little Rock
When viable, let them visit the new area and even to the new house. Let them get acquainted to where they will be moving to. If it is not possible to take them to tour the new residence and area, take pictures or videos so they'll have an inkling of what the new place will look like. Make sure to mention all of the positive features of the move (bigger rooms, huge yard, etc.).
Take them for a Tour of the School
It may not be a possibility to do this physically, but most schools in America are on the internet. Look up the local school board's website and you will most of the time find links to your child(ren's) new school(s). Tell them about the various school clubs and activities that they can participate in. School can be a giant cause of anxiety for children and also an impactful part of their lives, so it is vital that they are ready prior to starting a new school. If you're able to take them on an actual tour of the new school, be make to introduce them to key players like the principals and guidance counselors.
Involve Them in Packing
There are lots of age-appropriate methods that children can be included in the task of packing up. Allow them to help you pack up their personal belongings in moving boxes and allow them to label the boxes of their items. (A perk is they can go through their things and donate or throw out items that they no longer want.)
Stick with Routines
Moving to Little Rock can be a crazy and exhaustive time for parents but do not let this deter you from maintaining the same well-known schedules the kids are used to. Children need predictability to feel secure and moving time is one of those occasions when it's even more necessary. Since they are already enduring a time of uncertainty by moving to an unfamiliar place, it's even more important to keep as many things familiar as possible.
Decorate Their Rooms First
Kids need structure and familiarity so it is imperative that their new rooms be as familiar to them as possible. By getting their new bedrooms furnished and decorated first, you let them know that they are important parts of a new life. Keeping them involved in the process fortifies this need and helps them to feel loved and “at home”.
Investigate the New Neighborhood
Help your children in getting to know the new neighborhood, landmarks, and neighbors. Encourage them to make new friends and get to know the geometry of the new area so they do not feel quite so disoriented.
Avoid Stress
When parents stress, kids stress. That's why it's beneficial to do everything you can think of to make sure you do not get stressed out, yourself. By employing a professional moving company to aid you in your residential move, you nix some of the stress from your back so you can concentrate more on the important stuff.
The ultimate goal when moving with kids is to be sure they feel safe and secure. If you seize every opportunity to help them see the happy side of the move and get excited about it, your chances of making them feel loved are higher and they'll be much happier embracing your new house in Little Rock.
