Moving is difficult because it forces us to adapt to changes in our environment and develop completely new routines. Given a little time, we can learn to adapt to almost anything, but it's not so easy for our children. Young children take a little longer to adapt to new environments, and may be upset about leaving their house behind and moving into a new, unfamiliar home. Kids develop deep connections to their home, especially their bedroom, and yanking them out of that environment and putting them in a strange, new home with a new bedroom can be a shock to their system.
However, with a little attention to detail and cooperation from your children, you can help make their new bedroom just as cozy and welcoming as their old bedroom. While it may take your child some time to get adjusted, there are a few helpful tips that will help you speed up that process and have your child enjoying his new room even more than he enjoyed his old one.
Preparing your child prior to the move
The best way to help your child adjust to her new bedroom is to begin the process even before you move. If it's possible, take her with you to visit the home and show her where her room is going to be. Point out to her where her bed will be placed and allow her to imagine herself in the room reading, playing with friends, or doing whichever activities she enjoys. Listen to her suggestions for how she would want the room decorated and keep them in mind when you begin to decorate the room. The quickest way to get your child to adapt is to build up a level of anticipation about the new home and her new room. Her excitement about having her very own room to decorate will make her more excited about moving.
Prior to your move, talk to your child about the new house and new room and tell her about all of exciting things she'll be able to do once you move. If you focus on the good aspects of moving rather than the unfortunate ones (like leaving friends, family, etc.) she will be more receptivewhen the time comes. She is also more likely to adapt to the move quickly and make the best out of the situation.
Incorporate the old in with the new
You can combat the feelings of unfamiliarity by incorporating some aspects of your child's old room into his new room. Putting up the same posters or placing the bed in the same position can work wonders for helping your child adjust to his new bedroom. His favorite beanbag chair on the floor by the bed or his favorite action figures on a shelf by the window will remind him that even though he's in a new home, he's still surrounded by familiar things.
When you arrive at your new home and you're ready to unpack your belongings, you should have him help you to unpack his room and place his belongings wherever he feels comfortable. Giving him the freedom to set up his belongings in his new room will allow him to develop a connection with the room, adjust quickly and feel comfortable in the new house.
Allow your child to lend a hand with the design
We all know that children don't really make the best interior decorators, but that doesn't mean we can't allow them to have a little bit of input on how they want their room designed. Ask your child what color she wants her room painted. Does she have a favorite color or pattern? You can even paint it together and make it a day-long activity where you can bond and talk about any anxieties she's having about the move.
If you plan on buying new furniture for your child's room, have her help you pick out which furniture she wants in her new room. Allowing her to add her own personal flair and style will help her embrace the new room and be excited about the move, rather than anxious and withdrawn.
Photo by: Ambro (Freedigitalphotos.net)