Simple ways to help your kid adjust to a new city
No matter how far you’re relocating, up or down the street, it’s still a major life event for the family. Moving requires you to disassemble life as you know it, physically move yourself and your family to a new location, and assemble everything again. In addition, the whole experience is even more traumatizing for the little ones. It’s tough to say what’s the thing that hurts them the most; is it the loss of friends, changes in schedule, or perhaps the new, unfamiliar environment? Luckily, despite your thinking that they can’t adapt to their surroundings, there are many ways to help your kid adjust to a new city and even begin loving it!
Help your kid adjust to a new city without so much as breaking a sweat
As exciting as a family move might be. It can also be tricky. Furthermore, as parents, it is our responsibility to work together to help our children adjust to a new environment and to highlight the many advantages that come with it. So put down the moving boxes and keep reading for tips on making the transition easier for your bundle of joy.
#1 Discuss the upcoming move
You must talk to your little one before the move.
Communication is key, as many would say, and this also applies to your situation. After all, your little one won’t be able to cope with the move if they don’t understand it. Therefore, as soon as you realize that you will change scenery, inform them of it. It might not be pretty at first, but giving them time to process this and express their feelings about it is essential. Try to pick their brains for information on what makes them dread the relocation. Are they afraid they wouldn’t be able to stay in touch with their existing friends? Or, perhaps, they are scared they wouldn’t be able to make new ones? Whatever the reason may be, you cannot know unless you ask.
Sometimes, moving to a new location means your kid will no longer be able to participate in activities they have been participating in for a long time. Should that be the case, you can reassure them that to have some fun here is possible. Pennsylvania, for instance, has plenty of fall activities to offer to children and adults alike. That said, if entertainment is what all of you are looking for, you will get it!
#2 Go on a road trip
Before the big move, you and your kid should do some scouting. Take a tour of the area by car and keep an eye out for noteworthy features like parks and buildings. A pizza business, toy store, skate park, or pet store that your kid likes will go a long way toward making them feel at ease in a new environment. Even a simple stroll or drive around your new habitat will help them cope with stress.
#3 Inspect the new school
Take a tour of your child’s classroom, gym, and other essential areas at their new school.
One of the ways to help your kid adjust to a new city would be to visit their school together before it starts. We strongly advise you to make an appointment with the principal to inquire whether such a thing would be possible. If their answer is yes, while there, make it your business to visit your child’s classroom, the cafeteria, the gym, the auditorium, and any other areas they’ll be spending time in at the school. Take note of the locations of any nearby restrooms, as well. Your child will feel more confident in their ability to handle the new surroundings if you take these basic steps with them.
#4 Do the research
Make it your business to dig up exciting or intriguing information about your kid’s new school. To give you a few ideas about what to look for, you might want to pay special attention to people who have previously attended it. Perhaps, there is a famous somebody that went to none other than this institution.
On the other hand, the school sports team or drama club might have made the news once upon a time. Whatever the ”amusing” information is, share it with your youngster, as it might just be ”the thing” that makes them excited to spend time there.
#5 Make friends
How can you expect your child to make new friends if you aren’t ready to go out there and socialize? After all, they are supposed to follow your example. With that said, we recommend you try connecting to your neighbors. Invite them for dinner or drinks as soon as you have finished unpacking. And who knows? They might even have a child of their own that’s of similar age to yours. That’s what we call ”instant friends.”
Additionally, we recommend joining a local community center or religious group to meet new people and provide a positive social example for your children.
To help your kid adjust to a new city, you need to let them know that they’ll be able to make new friends. Be a good example for them and make one yourself by hosting a dinner for neighbors.
#6 Keep on track with your kid’s routine
A consistent routine is the foundation of stability and serenity. While your kid may feel anxious about all the new things they are experiencing, a regular schedule at home might help ease their fears.
#7 Be patient
It’s believed that it takes about six weeks for a child to adapt to their new environment. However, no child is the same; the adaptation process might last longer for some than for others. Children, like adults, respond to and experience change in their unique ways. That’s why, to help your kid adjust to a new city, you’ll need to, first of all, take things slowly. Reassure them that you have their back no matter what happens, and encourage them to talk about how they feel. Spend as much time with them as you can, and make sure to point out that while their whole world has changed, your love for them has and will always remain the same.
Bio: Callan Browning is a full-time blogger with an undying love for psychology. He has more than 7 years of copywriting experience, and currently working on his first book. He loves traveling and meeting new cultures.
Photos used:
https://unsplash.com/photos/E813FON0wDQ
https://www.pexels.com/photo/mother-and-daughter-talking-9870766/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-and-girl-talking-while-lying-on-bed-4473774/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/dinnerware-on-table-top-1395964/
