When you choose a home, it doesn’t just affect you and your partner; ‘the adults’. It affects your children too, no matter how young they are. Moving to a new place affects different people in different ways. In fact, younger children feel emotions more intensely than adults in some cases. Their fears may seem irrational, but to them they are very real. Even if you are only moving 10 minutes down the road, they might worry about losing touch with their friends or family. This is why it’s important you involve the children in the process of choosing a home. This is beneficial in many ways. Read on to look into this further:
Involving children in the process of choosing a home isn’t just about asking them for their ideas on their views, but taking them seriously too. By involving them in this complicated process, they’ll learn skills that they can use later on in life, have fun, and make a connection with the area. They may even develop enough of a sense of ownership to tidy up after themselves, which is always a bonus! The important thing for adults is to be honest with the children about the process, so they understand it as best they can.
Take Them to Viewings
In order to properly involve the children, you should take them to house viewings. The estate agents in Redditch know that many adults don’t bother with this, but it’s better for them to see where they could move to rather than have a shock on moving day. Make sure they’re on their best behaviour, and involve them in discussions as you move around the house. Talk to them about things you could do with the rooms that may excite them.
Explore the Area
If you know the location you’ll be moving too, explore the area with the kids and have fun. Go for walks, have a picnic, go hunting for insects; whatever will make them want to return to the area!
Show Them Their New School
Moving to a new school is very scary for kids. If they’ll be moving to a new school along with a new house, take them to see it before it’s time for them to join. You can even just do this via their website online if it’s too hard for you to get there.
Talk to Them About Exciting Things to Come
Make sure the kids know that you’re still going to be doing lots of family activities together when you move.
Ask Them About Their Feelings
You don’t know what is going through your kid’s heads before you move, so ask them about their feelings and don’t get mad at them if they’re scared or angry.
Reassure Them
Reassure your kids that things are going to be just fine, and that they will love their new home before long. However, make sure you listen to them and don’t undermine what they’re telling you.
It’s also important that you let the kids say a proper goodbye to their old home. Why not have family and friends round for a little party before you move? This will be a lovely way to end your time in your first home and keep the kids happy!