When moving with kids, keep whatever sense of normalcy you can.
Keep your rituals as close to the usual and familiar as possible-especially those rituals that foster connection between you.
Make time for hugs, touch, and play.
Be very conscious about these things. It’s easy for kids to feel abandoned while we adults are busy being “productive.”
One way my child and I connect on a regular basis is by reading together. Although I had to pack all of her books in various boxes, I borrowed copies of her favorites from the library. That way, we could still read and connect in our usual way. The stories gave her familiarity and comfort.
Keep mealtimes and bedtimes as consistent as possible, too.
It’s tricky enough for a child to manage all the changes without their physical body trying to figure out which way is up. Plus, if bedtime is still bedtime, you can get more packing done after hours.
Mark the boxes with your children’s belongings differently.
Here’s another logistical one for you when moving with kids. Obviously, it helps to label your boxes with their contents. What’s particularly helpful for children, however, is to mark their boxes in really obvious ways so that they’re the easiest to find.
We attach an inch or two of colorful masking tape to my child’s most important boxes. We’ll find those first once we’re in our new place.
For bonus points, invite your child to help pack. For some kids, it helps them process. Packing makes others sad. Personally, I don’t mandate my daughter’s involvement. It’s her choice and I let her know ahead of time what I’m going to pack next (since she might not see whatever it is for a while).
Prioritize safety.
It sounds like it goes without saying, but make sure to keep scissors and other dangerous items out of places where a child might inadvertently knock them off a counter or step on them. That goes for when you arrive at your new home, too.
Have I ever told you about the time my child was 18 months old and I didn’t realize the house we’d just moved into had a gas stove – she saw interesting knobs to turn, and the next thing I knew, the nearby packing paper was on fire? There were no injuries, thank goodness, but it was an important lesson for me!
Most of all, connect. Offer grace and give yourself some, too.
Your child loves you where you live now. Your child will love you in your new location. The boxes will come and go and you’ll all get through this. Moving with kids isn’t the easiest life experience, but truth be told, it’s an opportunity to grow together. Breathe and trust in that.
After all, home is where the heart is.
Originally published here
Sarah R. Moore is a published writer, positive parenting educator, wellness advocate, and world traveller. Her work spans the globe, reaching readers on six continents and appearing in publications such as The Natural Parent Magazine, Scary Mommy, and Macaroni Kid.
She has been certified by the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring. She wholeheartedly recommends the course for parents, educators, and all others who influence the lives of children.
She also holds BA / MFS degrees in Journalism, French, and Media/Arts/Cultural Production. Read more about Sarah here.
You can follow Sarah at Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting on Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram |Twitter.
