There are no two ways about it, moving is stressful. But it can be really hard on kids, especially if you’re moving to a completely new neighborhood or city, away from friends, family, schools and activities. So what can you do to make it easier for them to settle into their new home and what’s it going to take get kids excited about their new home?
Getting kids excited about their new home
- Let them give their input on the houses you look at. If the kids really dislike a home, will they be happy living there? While the final purchasing decision is up to the parents, you may want to consider the kids’ feelings and feedback so they feel like a valued part of the process.
Kids bedrooms
- Is there a bedroom they like and would be happy in? If so, let them choose it. That may seem like an impossible feat if you have more than one child, but letting them make their own decision will help them settle in, knowing they got the space they wanted. Obviously this won’t always work, but where possible, let them decide.
- Depending on how old they are, let them decorate their new bedrooms in a way that suits them and makes them happy. If they want the paint to be a different color, let them have it. A few hours of your time to repaint and the cost of a gallon of paint is a small price to pay to make sure the kids are comfortable in their own private space. You can also let them set up or place the furniture in a way they like – it might not be the way you would do it, but again, they’ll be happy, so why not?
The yard
- Is the yard a good place to have their friends hang out in, with space to run around and play? Get the basketball hoop or volleyball net set up so they have something to do right away. If they like to help in the garden, plant some veggies or flowers they can be responsible for – they’ll feel like they’ve accomplished something when the carrots are ready for picking or the summer flowers are in full bloom.
Location
- Is it near their new school or sports activities? Get them involved in their favorite activities in the new neighborhood so they can start making friends and being active. If they have something to do, they won’t get bored and stew over the fact they miss their old friends.
- Be a tourist in your new neighborhood. Go snooping to find activities or places to go. Being somewhere new can be an adventure, so visit the local Chamber of Commerce or the Tourism office to find out about events, amenities and activities in the area.
Sometimes moving is about necessity and not just something parents “want” to do – a job relocation, finances, education or sporting opportunities for the kids. If the children are involved in the process, they won’t feel so out of control and the adjustment to the new house will be that much easier for all of you and you’ll get the kids excited about their new home!
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Whether you are moving within your current neighborhood, or relocating to an entirely new community or city, call Scott Parker at (250) 751-1223 today. We are happy to help you find the perfect home for you and your family.
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