7 Ways to Help Your Preschooler Cope with Moving
Preschoolers can be fun-loving bundles of joy, but they also tend to be much more sensitive than adults. As they learn how to handle their emotions, it’s important to consider their feelings when it comes to moving to a new home. While this may seem like a trivial matter to most parents, helping your little one amidst a busy move can make a big difference in his or her life. To make the transition as smooth as possible for them and the rest of your family, consider our following tips below.
1. Visit the New Home
If your new destination isn’t that far away, try and take your child on a visit to show them what it’s like. Drive past your future home and show them the schools, neighborhoods, and parks in the area. If your new city is too far to visit in person, show your preschooler online photos and have them describe what they’re excited to see in person.
2. Find Information Pamphlets
Almost every city has information pamphlets available, and it’s an excellent way to engage your preschooler with a new location. Read through each piece of information with your child so they can learn more about the area’s history and atmosphere. To check and see if your new town has pamphlets, visit the local Chamber of Commerce both online and in-person.
3. Read About Moving
Long distance mover, recommends reading a few children’s books about moving as a family. Once a story is over, discuss your real-life move together and allow your preschooler to ask questions. This process will help them become more familiar with the different parts of packing, moving, and becoming acquainted with their new surroundings.
4. Draw Their New Room
A fun way to get your child involved is to ask them to draw a picture of how they’ll decorate their new room. If possible, try and show them pictures of what their future room looks like (either through your own photos or those on a real estate website).
Drawing a picture of their future room will help your little ones get excited about their move.
5. Help With Packing
One of the best parts about a preschooler’s attitude is that they usually love to help. To utilize this, have your child help with packing their belongings. They’ll enjoy the ‘fun’ process, recognize that nothing is being left behind, and will have a calmer response on the day of the move.
6. Say Last Goodbyes
Although your preschooler may be young, they’ll most likely have attachments to friends, teachers, and familiar places. To help ease the sadness that they may feel, give them time to say goodbye to those that they care about. And if you have the time, you can even throw a simple going-away party.
7. Connect With Their New School
Call your child’s new preschool before moving and discuss how you can make their transition process easier. With the help of teachers and staff, arrange an early visit to your child’s new class or have a buddy system set-up to help ease their nervousness of beginning in a new environment.