Real Living Real Answers Real Living Lifestyle Planning Guide | Page 21

MOVING WITH CHILDREN * While moving can be stressful for adults, the corresponding anxiety it can cause children, is often even more pervasive and lingering. In many cases, the stress children experience from leaving behind friends and favorite places far eclipses the anxiety over leaving their physical home for another. Here are some tips to help ease the transition for your children. For more information and tips on moving with children, ask your Real Living Lifestyle Advisor. *As taken from the Real Living. Real Answers. SM guide, How to Move With Consideration for Children. HELP EASE THE TRANSITION FOR YOUR CHILDREN PREPARING YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN By properly preparing for your move, you can reduce the stress for your children (and thus yourself) by developing a plan of: INVOLVE YOUR CHILDREN IN THE RELOCATING PROCESS During the town/home selection process consider: Giving assignments to your children such as, When to tell your children researching towns, schools, recreational activities How to tell them are confident your children will be able to accept How to select the right town, city or neighborhood based upon your needs and interests When to pack When to declutter When to move out When to move in and homes (establish price range), but only if you your final decision on where you will move. Assigning each child the responsibility of preparing their individual room for the move. Asking your children to research the services and recreational activities that are important to them. Planning with your children how to best manage saying goodbye to friends and establishing an ongoing communication plan with them. DECIDING WHETHER RENTING OR OWNING IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT While numerous studies assert owning a home provides a developmental advantage for children, other studies claim the overall stability of the Organizing some of their favorite activities before you leave and researching how these favorite activities can be continued in the next town or city. family and neighborhood weigh more heavily. Step 2 / Review Your Lifestyle Options 21