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| Break The News |
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Break
the news about the move to everyone in the family together
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| Involve-Participate |
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Also, involve your children in all
aspects of your relocation. If possible, bring them with you on
house-hunting trips; if not, photograph or videotape the house that you
select, as well as the neighbourhood and new school.
Allow your children to participate in planning the move. "When
possible," , "ask your children to perform small jobs that are
age-appropriate and that can often be made enjoyable."
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| Be
Attentive |
| As parents
start to plan for the big moving day, they should remember
how anxious and weary they felt the first time they had to move. And
when that tiny hand tugs on your shirttail, or a tiny voice asks if
they can help, remember the one thing that’s the easiest to
break
during a move -- is a child’s heart. A hug and a smile can be
very
strong glue. |
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Easy as 1-2-3
Tips
for moving
with children
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| Kids
don't even like to change their socks, so imagine how difficult it is
for them to change addresses, schools and friends. Because the home is
a special source of security and comfort for children, many families
may experience concerns about leaving their familiar surroundings.
Although parents understand why moving may be necessary, the reasons
might not be clear your children. Mayflower Transit has some simple
steps that can help to ease your children's fears and make the whole
moving process as easy as counting to three. |
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Discuss the
move in an open family forum
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| Break
the news about the move to everyone in the family together, and focus
on the “when,” “where,”
“how” and “why” of the moving
process. Be sure
your child understands that the move is a positive event for the whole
family. |
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Make new
friends but keep the old
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| Before
the move, give your children an opportunity to spend time with their
friends to say goodbye. Mayflower has a special moving kit for children
that includes fun cards that kids can use to exchange address
information with friends. Contact your moving consultant
for a copy of "My Move." |
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Involve the
kids in the moving process
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| Ask
your children to help you plan the route your family will take to your
new home. When the van operator arrives, introduce him or her to the
children. For safety
reasons, make sure your children understand the
importance of staying clear of the driver's path when he or she is
moving boxes and furniture into the van. Other ideas
include making a
game of navigating the best route to travel in an atlas or on a road
map or letting your children decorate and label their own boxes and
pack their “special belongings.” |
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Alleviate fears
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| If
possible, take the children to see their new home and neighborhood in
advance. This will help to take the “mystery” out
of the move.
Introducing your children to their new neighbors will reassure them
that they will make new friends after the move. If it is not possible
to go to your new neighborhood, try to compile as much information
about the neighborhood as you can. The Internet can offer a wealth of
resources. Also, try to get a couple of photographs of your new home
and surroundings (ask your real estate agent to help), and share all of
the information with your children. |
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Pursue new
activities
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| Help
your kids to make new friends by getting them involved in
extracurricular activities in their new neighborhood. Sports leagues,
community kids' clubs and classes specific to your child's interests
will keep them busy and make them feel more at home in their new
surroundings. |
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Celebrate!
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| Once
you have arrived at the new address, let your children pick their
favorite restaurant, type of food or activity to
“celebrate” their help
in making the move successful and the beginning of a new adventure. |
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