So you’re all set up for the big move. You have all the boxes that you need and all the packing paper and duct tape in the world is at your disposal. However, there is just one problem. You need to prepare your toddler too. Relocation can be difficult for anyone. It can be tiring, logistical nightmare or with some help from professionals, it can be a breeze. On the other hand, for your children, it will be much more annoying than for you. This is simply because they can’t understand what’s going on. And that is the reason why move with toddlers must be done right.
Did you think that saving money as a parent is hard? Move with toddlers will bring its own set of challenges into your life, as they need to accept this big change in theirs. The crucial thing is to explain to your children that they’re not leaving their toys and beds behind and that you will be with them throughout the whole process.
Validate their feelings and fears. Make sure that they know you are listening to them and that you understand them. Always talk about the move in a positive manner and reinforce this message all the time.
Adjust your point of view
You may be moving because of a great job opportunity, but your children aren’t. Try to see the relocation with the eyes of your children. Did they live in the same place their whole lives? If they were, leaving it can be a scary thing. As we all know, a routine is crucial for toddlers prosper and happiness. So you can expect them to feel disoriented from all the changes that are happening. Don’t be afraid if they act frustrating at this period as that is a completely normal thing to happen.
This doesn’t get much better with children that are verbal. Simply for a reason that there’s nothing they can say that will change your mind about the relocation. This can make them feel helpless, which can lead to them acting out physically. This is again a natural thing, and it’s important that you stay calm. Make them feel heard and accepted during the outburst and eventually, they’ll calm down too. Toddlers simply need a little bit more time than us to cope with their emotions, so give them extra attention in this period. This is yet another obligation on your hands, but do everything by the book and your move with toddlers will be a dream.
Remember that your child doesn’t have the same point of view as you do. Alttag: Young girl sitting on a tree.
Move with toddlers: Talk to them about the move
Toddlers can be unbearable during the move. Professionals from Master Moving Guide say that they’ve seen this problem too many times. And that is the reason why you need to talk to your toddlers about moving at least a month prior to the relocation itself. This will make though goodbye a little bit easier for them. Remember that relocation is hard on you too, so try to prepare your children as good as you can.
Although your toddlers probably won’t be able to fully understand what the concept of relocation is, it’s crucial to let them know that something is happening. And that it is not a bad thing. Completing all the preparation tasks properly will make it easier for your children to accept and adapt to a new home much quicker.
Here are some tips for a smooth conversation with your little ones.
- Explain to them that nothing will change when you move to your new home. Let them know that their routine and family will stay the same.
- Be sure to emphasize that everything is coming with you. All their toys, blankets, and furniture.
- Tell them a story to corroborate your points and to make them understand what’s going on a little better.
- Prepare them for the moving day, but do not overwhelm them with details.
- Don’t rush and be patient for your move with toddlers. Look for non-verbal cues.
- Don’t use baby talk when explaining everything to them. Talk in full sentences so that they know you’re serious.
- Offer them real choices. This will help them not to feel helpless. Let them choose a toy to bring with them for a trip. If they want, let them pick the outfit for the moving day.
Talk to your toddlers and try to explain everything to them. Alttag: Man talking with his son about a move with toddlers.
Don’t change the routine
Be sure to keep the same routine throughout the whole process. This means the same bedtime before, during, and after the move. Toddlers fear of the unknown and keeping them in the same loop will make this unknown thing called move easier for them.
Routines are important for your children because they help them make decisions. When their bedtime is the same every night, they automatically become tired at that time. They feel like they’re in control when this is happening, and that is extremely important in situations like this.
Move with toddlers: Patience is the key
It is completely normal that your children experience anxiety during this process. Allow them to express it. Answer all the questions they ask you, but remember to keep your answers simple and clear. They may need some more time to adjust after the move and that is okay. It is important to be a patient as you can at this point. If you encounter problems, you can always use a boost in terms of parenting. Try to make it easy on them. For instance, you can take them to Disneyland.
Prepare to be very patient when you’re encountering a move with toddlers. Alttag: Feng Shui stones tower representing patience.
The moving day
If you’re moving locally, arrange for your toddlers to have a babysitter on this day. All those people and noise around them can be a little bit overwhelming so don’t push it. On the other hand, if a babysitter is not an option, explain what’s happening step-by-step to your children. Give them extra attention. You can also make them in charge of a specific stuffed animal, or make them in charge of the reward for moving assistance so they can feel important.
When everything is ready and packed, walk them through the house to say goodbye. Answer all the questions on tour and be patient.
Days after the move
Build a sense of familiarity as soon as you can after the move with toddlers. Try not to change or upgrade anything, and bring all their furniture if you can. Unpack their things first as an act of kindness. Don’t change the routine and keep your children’s schedule the same in the days after relocation to avoid problems. Also, prepare to be patient as they will need more sooting and assurance in your new home.