But kids may not look at things in the same light, particularly if they have close buddies and/or family where they live currently. The concept of moving to a different school and away from current relationships can cause a lot of anxiety in children.
While it could be rough for children to move away from familiar faces, places, and things, there are things you should do to ease the transition to Austin.
Honest Communication
Be sure they know what is going on each stage down the path. Children need to feel secure to express their concerns as well as asking questions so be able to offer information and answer any questions they could have. While some of their opinions and worries could be negative, be there for them with compassion and optimistic answers. Take care not to invalidate their worries but, rather, recognize their concerns and find ways that you can work together to reduce them.
Introduce Them to Their New Home in Austin
If feasible, let them visit the new area and even to the new home. Let them get a feel for where they'll be moving to. If it is not a possibility to visit the new home and locale, take pictures or videos so they will have an impression of what the new place will look like. Be positive to call attention to all of the beneficial elements of the move (bigger rooms, huge yard, etc.).
Take them for a Tour of the School
It may not be possible to do a school tour on site, but nearly all schools in America have a web presence. Visit the local school board's website and you will most of the time find information about your child(ren's) new school(s). Explain to them the wide selections of school organizations and activities that they will be able to participate in. School is a giant origin of anxiety for children and also one of the largest parts of their lives, so it's vital that they are ready prior to starting a new school. If you're capable of taking them on an actual tour of the new school, be sure to introduce them to important people like the principals and guidance counselors.
Involve Them in Packing
There are a lot of age-appropriate methods that children can be included in the job of packing up. Let them help you box up their personal possessions in moving boxes and have them label the boxes of their things. (A perk is they can sort through their belongings and give away or discard items that they no longer want.)
Stick with Routines
Moving to Austin may be a frantic and exhaustive time for parents but don't let this deter you from staying with the same well-known schedules the kids are accustomed to. Children need to have consistency to feel safe and moving time is one of those moments when it is absolutely necessary. Since they are already going through a period of change by moving to an unfamiliar place, it is even more important to keep as many things familiar as you can.
Decorate Their Rooms First
Kids need organization and familiarity so it's imperative that their new rooms be as familiar to them as possible. By getting their new bedrooms furnished and decorated first, you let them know that they are valued parts of a new life. Including them in the process fortifies this need and helps them to feel special and “at home”.
Investigate the New Neighborhood
Guide your children in getting to know the new area, landmarks, and neighbors. Encourage them to meet new friends and grasp the geometry of the new area so they do not feel quite so lost.
Avoid Stress
When parents stress, kids stress. That's why it is valuable to do everything you possibly can to ensure you don't get stressed out, yourself. By hiring a professional moving company to aid you in your residential move, you get rid of a lot of the stress from your back so you can concentrate more on the vital stuff.
The end game when moving with kids is to ensure they feel safe and secure. If you take every moment to help them see the happy side of the move and get excited about it, your chances of making them feel cherished are higher and they'll be much happier embracing your new home in Austin.
