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Moving to a new home can be an overwhelming experience for your child. As per the Child Mind Institute, the biggest challenge kids face is the feeling of lack of control over their new environment. As a parent, it is important to focus on mentally preparing your child for moving and assist them in assimilating into their new home.
Based on age, your child will react to the prospect of moving differently. Depending on how old your child is, follow these steps from the 3rd Eye Home Inspection blog:
● Toddlers or Pre-schoolers: While children this age are too young to understand what moving is, it is crucial to focus on making it a positive experience for them. Through stories, try to explain to them what is happening, why everything around the house is packed, and why you are moving. Additionally, seek the assistance of a babysitter while you are busy packing to ensure your toddler is taken care of.
● Elementary or Middle Schoolers: Children this age are relatively open to moving as they can perceive it as an exciting and new experience. Provide them
with the responsibility of packing items around the house to make them feel like they are helping and reduce uncertainty. However, it is important to ensure that you do not disturb their school schedule as moving to a new school between the year can be difficult for your child. The ideal time to move is during the summer.
● Teenagers: Compared to other ages, teenagers are more prone to take the prospect of moving negatively. Teenagers usually develop a strong bond with friends and disrupting it can be a challenging experience for them. Have an open conversation with your teen, explaining to them the reasons for the move and specifics about the new area. If possible, visit your new home with them before moving. It is normal for teens to rebel against the move, however, but with time, they will come to accept it.
Additionally, regardless of the age of your child, here are some important tips to keep in mind
: Research the Neighbourhood
Before moving, visit the area on numerous occasions, ideally at different times of the day. Focus on the condition of public areas such as parks, play zones, shopping areas, etc. It will give you a strong idea of how well the community is maintained or otherwise.
Find as much information as you can about the schools in the area. Their rankings, class sizes, amenities they provide, and more. If possible, speak to a few parents in the neighborhood to get feedback about the school and the quality of teaching. Additionally, speak to your child about the school and share the information you have to help them prepare mentally for adjusting to the new environment.
Arrange a Visit
Again, travel to your new home with your child before moving to allow them to explore the neighborhood. Visiting the area can spark some excitement and also reduce their anxiety towards moving. Walk around the area with them, have lunch in one of the local restaurants, or visit the local park. Allow them to familiarize themselves with the area so they can picture living there in the near future.
Balance Your Finances
Start with a brief online search focused on the home prices of the neighborhood. In Hampton, homes sell at $265K on average, which should give you a clear picture of what you can afford. Better yet, work with a real estate agent to gain information on how much properties have appreciated in the last five years, as well as learn all about other factors like property taxes.
Moving to a costly home can negatively impact your finances. This, in turn, can affect your children because, in addition to adjusting to a new environment, they will need to deal with economic changes. Ideally, aim to cover the majority of the cost of your new home from the sale of your old one. Hire 3rd Eye Home Inspection for a
. You can then make repairs and upgrades to your home, landscape your lawn, and stage your home for the best possible ROI.
It is important to support your child throughout the journey of moving and settling into a new home. Each child will take their own time to adjust and, as a parent, you need to remain focused on being patient and supportive.