Preparing children for a home move

Relocating to a new home marks a significant shift for all family members, particularly for children who may oscillate between excitement and apprehension. As a parent, it’s natural to strive for a seamless adaptation for your youngsters, aiming to transform the moving process into a favourable milestone.

That said, research highlights that a significant number of parents consider the opinions of their younger family members before making their next move. The figures show that nearly nine in ten parents (87%) say they would ‘consult’ with their children regarding moving home, with a fifth (20%) going as far as saying they would ‘do what their children want’ and let them decide[1].

Furthermore, a notable fraction, approximately one-third, have experienced direct opposition from their offspring against potential relocations. This trend underscores a shift towards more inclusive family decision-making processes, particularly in matters as impactful as changing residences.

The dynamics of family relocations are evolving, with a considerable portion of parents, about 20%, expressing a willingness to defer the decision to relocate entirely to their children. This inclination has led to instances where families have either abandoned prospective moves or refrained from initiating them due to the objections raised by their children.

However, this cautious approach might be an overestimation of the potential negative impact, as subsequent findings suggest. Despite initial reluctance, a striking 77% of children who have experienced relocation report a preference for their new home, indicating a possible misalignment between parental concerns and actual outcomes.

CHILDREN’S REACTIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS

Delving deeper into the emotional landscape surrounding family relocations, it becomes apparent that although apprehensions and sadness are common initial reactions among children, the eventual acceptance and enjoyment of the new environment are remarkably high.

Nearly half of the children surveyed reacted positively to the news of moving, and upon settling in, a significant majority expressed love for their new homes and bedrooms. This positive outcome highlights children’s resilience and adaptability, although the importance of addressing their concerns during the transition cannot be understated.

ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN TRANSITION

The discussion process between parents and children, regardless of the final decision, plays a crucial role in preparing young ones for the impending change. An overwhelming majority of children advocate for open discussions regarding relocations, suggesting a desire for involvement and consideration within the decision-making framework. This feedback loop not only helps mitigate potential anxieties associated with the move but also fosters a sense of inclusion and respect for the children’s perspectives within the family unit.

TIPS FOR MOVING HOME WITH CHILDREN BE POSITIVE WHEN YOU FIRST BRING IT UP

Children are remarkably adept at picking up on the emotional states of those around them, making it imperative to approach the topic of moving home with a positive demeanour. Employing phrases like ‘We have something very exciting to tell you’ can significantly influence their initial reaction, setting a constructive tone for the discussions that follow.

FOCUS ON WHAT WON’T CHANGE

The prospect of moving can immediately trigger concerns in children about leaving behind their school, friends and familiar environment. If the move is local, it’s crucial to reassure them that their daily life will largely remain unchanged, bar the transition to a new home. For moves over greater distances, emphasise that all their cherished possessions, including toys and personal items, will accompany them. This reassurance can mitigate fears associated with losing their familiar settings and belongings.

BRING THEM ON THE JOURNEY

Involving children in the moving process has been shown to foster a sense of participation and control. While adults ultimately make the final decisions, including children in discussions and decisions where feasible can enhance their engagement with the process. This could range from involving them in house viewings to soliciting their input on decorating their new rooms, thereby transforming the move into a shared family endeavour rather than an event that they passively experience.

FOCUS ON THE BENEFITS

When discussing the move, it’s beneficial to highlight aspects that will appeal directly to your child’s interests and preferences. Whether it’s the prospect of a larger bedroom, a spacious garden for play or nearby amenities such as dance studios or go-kart tracks, emphasising these positives can play a pivotal role in shifting their perspective towards viewing the move as an exciting adventure.

BE PREPARED FOR TEARS

It’s natural for children to feel apprehensive and overwhelmed by the idea of moving, and such emotions may persist for a while. Despite this, it’s important to remain steadfast in your decision. Research indicates that, in most cases, children eventually view the move positively. Sometimes, perseverance and confidence in the decision’s long-term benefits for your child are essential.

FACILITATE A SMOOTHER TRANSITION AND FOSTER A STRONGER FAMILY BOND

The insights gleaned from the research underscore the significant influence children hold in the decision-making process related to family relocations. While the apprehensions of both parents and children are valid, the overall positive reception of new homes by the younger family members suggests a need for balanced consideration of all viewpoints. Engaging in open and empathetic dialogues can facilitate smoother transitions and foster stronger family bonds through shared decision-making experiences.

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisors are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.