How Many Families Move a Year?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 35 million people move every year in the United States.[1] That’s about 11% of the total population, or one out of nine people moving annually. Of those 35 million moves, roughly 20% involve families with children under the age of 18 in tow. That’s a huge number of households that are packing up their lives and making a big change. It’s no wonder that moving with kids can be so stressful!
Tips for Moving With Kids
Moving can be a huge transition for children of any age, so it’s important to make sure they feel as comfortable and secure as possible throughout the process. Here are some tips to keep in mind when moving with kids:
- Give them plenty of time to adjust: Moving can be a big adjustment, so make sure your children have plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings and routines. Create a timeline for the move and give yourself enough time before, during, and after the move to help ease the transition.
- Involve your children in the process: Kids may not understand all the details of why you’re moving, but they can still be involved in the process. Let them help pick out a new home or choose a school to attend. They may also want to say goodbye to their friends and make sure they have a way to stay in touch.
- Encourage extracurricular activities: Getting involved in after-school activities can help your child transition more easily into their new environment, as well as provide a safe space for them to explore and make new friends.
- Create a memory box: Moving is a time of new beginnings, but it’s important to remember the old ones too. Have your child put together a “memory box” with items that remind him or her of home. This could include pictures, mementos , or even favorite snacks.
- Make time for fun: Moving can be a stressful time, so make sure to schedule in some fun activities to break up the process. Let your child pick out their favorite spot in the new city or go explore somewhere together. This will help keep their stress levels low and provide some much-needed relief from the moving process.
- Ask for help: Moving with children is no easy feat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or even a school counselor. They can offer advice on the best schools in the area or provide assistance with child care while you’re packing and moving.
Moving can be an overwhelming experience for the whole family. It can often seem like a daunting task filled with stress, anxiety and uncertainty. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With some careful planning and guidance, moving with kids can be made easier on everyone involved.
In this article, we will explore how families can make the transition to a new home smoother for all members of the family, from giving children time to adjust to seeking out child care assistance if needed. So buckle up and get ready for a journey that could make all the difference in your family’s upcoming move!
Reasons Families Move
There are many reasons why families move, ranging from career opportunities to lifestyle changes. Military families often have to relocate for deployments or assignments, while other families may move for a job change or due to financial circumstances.
Moving can also be a great opportunity for families to explore new places and cultures, or simply gain more space and privacy in their home. Whatever the reason, it’s important to consider the impact that moving has on all family members, especially children.
It is important to give them plenty of time and space to adjust to the transition, and provide support throughout the entire process.
A school counselor may be able to help with the school selection process if needed, while extracurricular activities can provide an outlet for children as they get accustomed to their new surroundings.
A sense of stability and safety can be created by making sure everyone has a safe space in the home where they feel comfortable and secure.
At the end of the day, moving can be a positive and exciting experience for families if they take the time to plan ahead and give everyone in their family the support they need.
Moving can open up new opportunities and create lasting memories, but it’s important to remember that it can also be a stressful time for the entire family.
Moving, A Stressful Time for the Entire Family
Moving can be an exciting experience for families, but it is important to remember that it can also be a very stressful time for everyone involved.
It is natural for children to feel scared or upset due to the changes that are taking place, and parents should take steps to ensure their child’s comfort and safety during this period.
To reduce stress levels, parents should keep communication open with their children and allow them to express their feelings.
They should also create a sense of stability by making sure everyone in the family has a safe space in the home where they feel comfortable and secure. Finding a special spot in the neighborhood can make the transition easier for all family members.
Preparing for the Move
Preparing for a move can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right preparation and planning, families can make it much easier on themselves. It is important to provide plenty of time for children to come to terms with the transition.
This includes having conversations about why they are moving and giving them the opportunity to express their feelings and concerns. Parents should consider the practical steps involved in relocation such as researching new schools or extracurricular activities in the area.
Depending on your specific situation, it may be beneficial to look into childcare assistance or military lifestyle resources that may be available for military families. Taking these steps ahead of time will help make sure everyone is ready for the big move and ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
By taking the right steps and preparing ahead of time, families can make their move a smooth transition for everyone. Providing children with additional time to adapt to a new environment can lead to a favorable outcome in their new residence.
Giving Children Time to Adjust
Giving children time to adjust is an important part of a successful move. It allows them to process their emotions and come to terms with the transition. It also gives them the opportunity to:
- say goodbye to friends
- celebrate things they will miss
- create a safe space for themselves during this stressful time
Parents should strive to give their children as much time as possible before the move so that they have enough time to become comfortable in their new environment. Parents can ensure their children have enough time to adjust by:
- discussing the reasons behind the move ahead of time
- setting up school visits
- talking with a school counselor if needed
It’s important to keep in mind that children may need additional support during this period such as allowing them to choose which items get packed or creating a list of fun activities from their old home.
This way, families can reduce stress levels around the move by providing children with a sense of stability and letting them make some choices about what comes along for the journey.
With these steps in place, parents can help make sure that everyone is ready for the big move and ensure an easier adjustment for their children.
Extracurricular Activities and School Selection
Finding extracurricular activities and selecting a school are two important steps that can help make the transition easier for children. Extracurricular activities give children the chance to explore their interests, learn new skills and make friends in their new environment.
It also provides them with an outlet to express themselves and build relationships outside of the family. School selection is just as important as it allows parents to find a school that best fits their child’s needs and academic goals.
It also gives parents some control over their child’s education and gives them access to resources such as special programs or counseling services if needed.
For military families, finding both extracurricular activities and selecting a school can be especially challenging due to frequent moves and changing lifestyles. To ease this process, parents should take advantage of any benefits they have access to such as military discounts or referral services.
They should familiarize themselves with any educational options available on base or at nearby schools ahead of time so they can plan out their child’s academic future without delay.
Saying Goodbye to Friends
Saying goodbye to friends is one of the hardest parts of a move for children. It can be especially difficult when they have to leave behind close friends who may have been like family.
To make this transition easier, parents should give their child plenty of time to say goodbye and express their feelings. They should also encourage them to stay in touch with their friends through social media or other means.
Parents can help ease the transition by providing a safe space for their child to talk about what they’re feeling and grieving during this time.
This can include:
- talking to teachers or school counselors
- writing letters
- creating a memory box full of fun memories
- taking the time to savor favorite activities in the old neighborhood one last time before leaving
Allowing children to come up with creative ways to honor their friendships while still moving forward will help them adjust more easily in the new environment and relieve some of the stress that comes with saying goodbye.
Creating a Memory Box
Creating a memory box can be a great way to help children honor the memories they made with friends before moving to a new location. It’s an opportunity for them to collect special items that remind them of their old home, and provides a tangible source of comfort.
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Parents can work together with their child to come up with creative and meaningful ideas for what should be included in the box. It could contain:
- letters from best friends
- photos of favorite spots
- tickets from outings
- souvenirs from vacations
- photo of the house and their room
This will not only serve as a fun way for the child to remember their old home but also create an enjoyable activity that strengthens family bonds during this transitional time.
Parents should encourage kids to share stories about these items with family members or other loved ones who may have been left behind; this will provide an opportunity for some closure without having to say goodbye in person.
Memory boxes are also helpful when trying to adjust in the new environment; they serve as a reminder of all the love and support they had even in unfamiliar places.
Staying in Touch with Friends
When moving away, it can be difficult for children to say goodbye to their friends. However, staying in touch with friends is an important part of helping them adjust to the transition.
Parents should provide plenty of opportunities for children to keep in touch with their old friends through technology or other methods. Setting up video calls or chat rooms is a great way for kids to stay in contact with their peers and have some sense of stability during this time.
Parents can take steps to ensure that kids are able to maintain these relationships after they move by providing resources that allow them to stay connected from afar like:
- books
- postcards
- letters
It’s also important for parents to be mindful of how much time their child spends on digital communication; too much can lead to increased stress levels and less opportunity for kids to explore the new environment and make new connections.
Parents should also look into local extracurricular activities that could help the entire family adjust better. This will provide the perfect opportunity for kids not only to find a safe space but also make fun memories during this stressful time.
Planning Favorite Snacks and Fun Memories
When transitioning to a new home, planning favorite snacks and fun memories can help make the move easier for the entire family. Even small things like packing up favorite snacks can help children feel more comfortable in a strange and unfamiliar place.
Parents should also take time to plan activities that will create positive experiences and lasting memories for their children during the transition. This could include visiting local attractions or trying out new restaurants near their new home.
It is important to remember that everyone needs time to adjust to the change, so it is okay to take things slow. Parents should consider involving their kids in the decision-making process when it comes to choosing activities or selecting a school or child care provider.
Involving them in these decisions gives them a sense of control and can help ease some of their anxieties about the move.
Finding a Safe Space for Kids During the Transition
Finding a safe space for kids during the transition to a new home can be extremely beneficial in helping them adjust to their new environment. It is important for parents to create an area where children can:
- explore
- play
- express themselves
In order to feel secure and comfortable. This could include setting up a designated playroom or allowing them access to certain areas of the house that are off-limits at other times.
One potential approach is to allocate specific time periods each day for activities such as playing board games or viewing films. Doing so will help children feel connected and bring some normalcy into their lives during this time of change.
It is important to be understanding when it comes to feelings of homesickness or sadness that may surface from time-to-time during the transition period.
Parents should encourage their kids to talk about how they’re feeling and what makes them happy about their new home life, as well as remind them that it is okay if they miss the old one too.
Creating a safe space for children during the transition period will help them adjust more easily and make the move less stressful on everyone involved.
Making Your Move Easier
Moving with kids can be a stressful experience for the whole family. With so many tasks to complete, it’s easy for things to get overwhelming. To make the transition easier, consider hiring Matt’s Moving. They are experienced in helping families move, which makes them an excellent choice for those who have children. Call today at 612-216-2665.
[1] Bureau, U. C. (2022, February 4). CPS Historical Geographic Mobility/Migration Graphs. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/time-series/demo/historic.html