Relocating With Kids   by Karen Rhodes

We adults are often more flexible to change when it comes to moving to a better home. Despite the initial inconveniences, you could just cook up in your imagination the more manicured lawns and the lovely new views. You may be excited to move in together with your entire family. But if you are relocating with kids, you need to keep in mind that they may not be as open to moving up to that better home no matter how upgraded it is compared to your old home.

The thing is, kids are not yet equipped with enough maturity to be as flexible as we are when it comes to adjusting for a new home. There are a lot of concerns encompassing this jolting move for children: there's the need to start over again in making new friends and establishing their playful presence in the community. Then, there is also the case of missing friends and relatives that they are not yet ready to part ways with. The speech: "You could still visit them or have all of them visit in our new place" may not work the first time you try to console your kid. But there are other things you need to do first before it becomes effective enough as a punch line.

In any activity with children, conditioning is the first thing any person must do. You must inform the child about the move months or even a full year before you intend to do the relocation. This way, they will be able to process it more properly and have the appropriate response should the time come that you will go about with the relocation.

If this is not at all possible and the relocation to the better real estate property is more of a rush, just try to look on the positive side all the time. And rub off that overflowing dose of optimism to your children. Look for the perks that your children may find in the new place, and capitalize on that as frequently as you can. But be careful also, and make sure that you will provide them with enough space to sulk. A higher dose of patience may be required on your part.

If a child is more attached to his previous surroundings, make an effort to at least bring a whiff of the old home in the new home. You could choose to arrange the furniture in the rooms in a similar way as you have in the old place. Or you could find other environments around the new community that will be able to help your child cope.

About the Author

Karen Rhodes is a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area and is a successful REALTOR®. Visit Chattanooga Real Estate for more information on the Tennessee Valley and surrounding areas.

Home Page > Directory-Home > HOME AND LEISURE > relocating with kids