According to a report, of the 27 million Americans who moved last year, 75% regretted moving. 19% reported it was too much of a hassle, and 17% said it negatively impacted their relationships. Packing for a move is challenging, but imagine hauling your entire life to another location. Moving is a stressful process, and it is okay to feel frustrated. However, you’re not doing this alone. Remember that you have your family with you. Tackling this situation as a team is the key to a smooth journey.
In 2023, 40% of Americans plan to move. Of those people, 38% are moving for financial reasons and 30% for family. Recently, nearly 9 million people left the US. Many moved to countries in South America to afford a higher-quality lifestyle. Suppose you live in an expensive area like West Palm Beach, which is in the top 2% of the world’s most expensive cities. All your money goes into rent, groceries, and other living costs. In that case, you can move to rich but affordable South American countries like Brazil, with a 1.6 trillion GDP ranking #12 globally. There are better investment opportunities and quality of living standards here that can help you nurture your child in the best environment.
But how can you effectively engage your child for long-distance moves like these? Children are endless balls of energy that struggle to stick in one place for a long time. Keeping them engaged will be the most challenging part of your moving process. However, you can utilize the following tips for a smooth journey!
Hire professionals
International moves can be expensive, especially if you live in places like West Palm Beach, Florida’s 11th most expensive city. So if you’re moving from West Palm Beach to South America, hiring movers that don’t charge more than a reasonable price is crucial to avoid breaking the bank. You can only manage some things yourself to lower costs, but it would be impossible to do everything, from shipping your belongings to complicated procedures and clearing customs. Will you be able to multitask along with looking after your kid?
You can get competitive price ranges and quality services by researching international movers, like Solomon & Sons Relocators. They can provide you with multiple shipping options to meet your diverse needs, ensure the safety of your valuables with insurance, and provide custom crating options.
Letting professionals do the heavy lifting enables you to focus on meeting your child’s needs. You won’t be as frustrated by handling the stress of moving and will be more empathetic to the challenges your kid might face during this long-distance move. You can also coordinate with the movers and set dates according to your child’s schedule to avoid disrupting their sleep or schooling.
Involve your child
Giving your child more control over the moving process can help them warm up to the idea of it. Help them see the positive and fun side of the move while acknowledging their sadness and confusion. Let them pack up their room, sell old items, and choose furniture for their new space. Show them pictures of the neighborhood you’re moving to, the school, and the parks. Help them visualize their new life and let them acclimate to the idea of it. These strategies can help empower your child and let them take ownership of this journey.
Allow them to express themselves and give importance to their opinion. When you engage with your child in the planning process, you make them feel heard and valued. This involvement can help ease any anxiety or bitterness about leaving their current home. When your child has a say in the moving process, they are more likely to embrace the change as an exciting adventure rather than a disruption to their life.
Maintain a schedule
Research emphasizes the importance of a steady routine for the healthy emotional development of a child, especially if your child is younger than eight years. It helps your child feel safe and secure, even when everything changes. A long-distance move may be stressful for a child simply because it is a tremendous change. Your child is used to a specific environment, and it is natural for them to be skeptical of anything threatening it.
However, Your child will find the transition to their new home more straightforward if you maintain their schedule. A steady routine calms your child, knowing they can expect certain things throughout their day. You can comfort your child by engaging in routine activities like eating, going to bed, and playing. Help them stick to a regular bedtime, and send them to school as long as you can. Remember, consistency is crucial. Maintaining a proper schedule during your move can help your child regulate their emotions better.
Communicate
A long-distance move can be emotionally and physically taxing for an adult. However, it can be even more difficult for a child. Though they have the potential to adjust quickly, they need help regulating their volatile emotions. Encourage your child to discuss any difficulties they may face with the move. Let them express their sadness over leaving their old home, and comfort them when they’re anxious about moving to an unknown place.
The best thing you can do is be honest. Your child will be able to adjust better when they expect the change rather than get surprised by it. Tell them about the move as soon as possible to give them time to accept it. Try to be patient and understanding. Rather than attempting to lecture them, try to focus on listening to their feelings.
Stay Connected
Your child may be reluctant to leave their friends behind more than their home. Children crave social interaction, and the fear of loneliness can make them dislike the idea of a long-distance move. To help them accept the change, assure your child that they’ll stay in touch with their friends. As parents, you’ll have to facilitate that connection for them.
Once you move, please encourage your child to talk with their old friend on the phone regularly. Research suggests that talking to loved ones for at least 10 minutes daily can reduce loneliness by 20%. You can also help your child write letters and send photographs to maintain a relationship with their old friends. This connection to their previous lives gives your child a lifeline to hang onto until they find new friends and adjust to a new community.
Conclusion
A long-distance move can be stressful and emotional for you and your family. Challenges and conflicts may arise, but you must remember to tackle them as a team. It may be hard to say goodbye to familiar places. Still, you open the door to new possibilities and experiences with each step forward. As parents, you can help your child see this move as a fresh start rather than a sad ending.
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