The more entrenched you are in your life, the harder it is to move away from it. When you have kids who love to play along the Trent Severn waterway with friends and participate in school activities, the news that the family will be moving can cause a big rift between parents and kids. There are things you can do to help yourself, your spouse, and the kids get used to the idea of moving. Here are some tips on smoothing the transition.
Time to Adjust
Many parents think they're protecting their children when they hide the fact that their cloth diapers business might make it necessary to move away, but when you pretend everything is fine until you start packing boxes, you're just slapping them in the face with it all at once. As soon as the subject starts being discussed among the adults, let the kids know. The longer they have to adjust to the idea of moving the less likely they are to ferment rebellion against it.
Participate in Decisions
Should you buy houses for sale in Danforth Village, Toronto or choose your new home in a more suburban neighborhood? Ultimately this is your choice, but it's always a good idea to let the other family members put in their two cents as well. This helps everyone see the move as something that everyone is working towards rather than something that is being foisted on them by uncaring parents.
Plan for the Future
When people, especially kids, are told they're going to be moving away, they have a tendency to look backwards. They moan over the parts of their current Newmarket real estate that they're going to miss, the friends that they'll leave behind, and the city that they love. Turn their focus forward by introducing them to the new city and all its activities, schools, friends, and attractions. This will help turn dread into anticipation.
Say Goodbye
Parting is less of a trauma when you take your time to say goodbye properly. This means visiting friends and relatives to take leave, closing your accounts with doctors and dentists in Mississauga, and visiting your favorite places one last time. Have a going away party. Walk through your empty house for one final parting look. Say goodbye to the house and the neighbors. Then seal up all your good memories and take them with you in a photo album.
| 