Make Moving Day Fun For Your Kids!

Moving day has arrived. The movers are late. Your significant other is out getting coffee and sweet rolls for breakfast. Your phone has been turned off. And, to top it off, your son, Tommy, is in his box-filled room crying his eyes out. Sound familiar?

Don't make moving day a horrible experience for everyone. Make it fun, especially for the kids! You may even be able to eliminate some of the moving-day stress. Let's face it - most people do not enjoy moving. In fact, many of us stress out about moving. Do you think it is any different for our children?

The home you are leaving may be the only home your child has known. Your child may be leaving behind special friends, a school, a scout troop, friends from church, sport teams and their own private haven - their bedroom! Talk about stress?

Following are some suggestions to ease the stress of moving:

Let children decorate their new room

If you make this promise - stick by it - within reason, of course.) Choose a special day when you and each of your children can shop for new comforters, wall paper, paint, window treatments, etc. Be reasonable and allow your child to be creative. (If you are bossy - this will not work!)

Housewarming party for your child's friends

This will help your child to see that they will not lose their friends and could make the transition easier. Make the housewarming party fun and age-appropriate. Older children may enjoy a sleepover.

Help your kids create a phone/address/e-mail book

Again, this will help them to see that they can still keep in touch with their friends. And, with the Internet keeping in touch has become so easy. Especially at first, do not be too restrictive with the time spent on the telephone (particularly if your child has had a hard time adjusting). If your child is old enough, use calling cards which will teach them the value of money and time.

Don't exclude your child from helping with the move

The stress moving creates in many people causes us to want the children to be out of the way when we are packing. Don't do it! Let your child get a sense of closure (just like you are experiencing). Let your child pack his/her room (with your supervision, of course). Assign them age-appropriate tasks.

After the move

it may take several days, weeks and sometimes months to really feel settled in. Do not neglect your child during this time. After you are done with the majority of unpacking and moving, reassure your child that you will set aside a day to do something fun - anything they would like. Maybe this could be used as an incentive.