Frequent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocations are a reality for many military families. Moving can be a challenging experience, especially for children who must adapt to new homes, schools, and communities regularly. As a real estate professionals, we have seen firsthand how crucial it is to help families ease these transitions. Below are eight tips to help your children acclimate to their new surroundings, focusing on the physical house, the neighborhood, and more.
Involve Kids in the House-Hunting Process
One of the best ways to help children feel more comfortable with a move is to involve them in the house-hunting process. If possible, let them visit potential homes and give their input. This can make them feel more in control and excited about the new adventure. Allowing kids to choose their room or decide on a few decor items can provide them with a sense of ownership and anticipation, making the new house feel like a home even before moving in.
Create a Familiar Environment in the New Home
Upon moving into the new house, prioritize setting up your child’s room first. Try to arrange their belongings in a similar manner to their previous room. Familiar bedding, toys, and decorations can provide a sense of continuity and comfort in the new space. Recreating familiar surroundings can significantly ease the transition, offering a sense of stability amidst the upheaval. Encourage your child to unpack and organize their room with you, turning the process into a collaborative and positive experience.
Introduce the Neighborhood Early
As soon as you arrive, take a walk or drive around the neighborhood with your child. Point out parks, playgrounds, and other places that might interest them. Knowing where they can play and explore helps them feel more at home and less anxious about the new area. Highlighting local attractions and fun spots can also build excitement and provide immediate activities to look forward to. Consider organizing a family scavenger hunt to discover new favorite spots together, turning exploration into a fun and engaging activity.
Connect with Local Families
Joining neighborhood groups or social media pages can help you connect with other families in the area. Arrange playdates or attend community events to help your children make new friends. Building social connections is vital for children to feel settled and happy. Look for community centers, libraries, or local clubs that offer kid-friendly activities and events. Engaging in these social opportunities can help your child feel more integrated into the community, fostering a sense of belonging and friendship.
Visit the New School Ahead of Time
Before the school year begins, visit the new school with your child. Meet their teachers, tour the classrooms, and explore the playground. Familiarity with the new school environment can reduce first-day jitters and build excitement. Some schools offer orientation programs or buddy systems for new students, which can be incredibly helpful. Knowing the layout of the school and having met a few friendly faces can ease the stress of starting anew. Encourage your child to ask questions and voice any concerns during these visits, reinforcing a sense of preparedness and confidence.
Establish Routines Quickly
Maintaining a consistent routine helps children feel secure. Try to keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and other daily activities on a similar schedule to what they were used to before the move. Predictability is comforting during periods of change. Establishing these routines quickly can provide a sense of normalcy and stability, helping your child adjust more smoothly. Additionally, incorporate familiar family rituals, such as movie nights or weekend outings, to reinforce continuity and connection amidst the new surroundings.
Create a “Family Adventure” Mindset
Frame the move as an exciting family adventure. Highlight positive aspects of the new location, such as nearby attractions, outdoor activities, or interesting local traditions. This positive mindset can make the transition more exciting and less daunting for your children. Emphasize the opportunity to explore and discover new experiences together as a family. Sharing stories of previous successful moves and adventures can also provide reassurance and build anticipation for the new chapter ahead.
Personalize the New Space Together
Let your kids have a say in decorating their new room or parts of the house. Allow them to choose paint colors, bedding, or wall art. Personalizing their space can help them feel a stronger sense of ownership and comfort in the new home. Engage them in DIY projects or crafts that they can proudly display in their new room. These personal touches can create a sense of pride and excitement, making the new house feel uniquely theirs.
