Moving house can be challenging for adults. The good news, though, is that adults can articulate what they are feeling and seek intervention measures in case the stress goes overboard. Toddlers, on the other hand, can barely express the stress or shock they are experiencing. Therefore, it becomes difficult to know if the move is taking a toll on them.
The main reason for distress among 1-5 years old is not the relocation itself but the change of routine and the new environment. At this age range, a child may show their distress by throwing tantrums frequently or wetting their bed even when they are potty trained. Some may resort to sucking their thumb or becoming more clingy, while others may lapse to baby talk.
The adverse effects of moving house are usually short term for young children and often pass fast since their brain is still growing and can't retain memories for a long time. However, the impact can be imminent when the family moves a lot.
Research shows that children who move five times or more are three times more likely to develop mental health problems. They may also struggle with establishing long-term close relationships in their adult life. Research further reveals that the more a child moves, the more likely they will be unsatisfied with life and their general wellbeing.
More than that, the older they grow, the more moving house impacts their wellbeing. Children between 5-12 years are at the stage where they are developing strong bonds with their peers. They also start developing social skills and personalities between these ages. As such, they'll definitely find it challenging to be in a new place where they don't know anyone. Between the ages of 12-14, moving house can cause a full-blown fight with your teen. They'll be leaving their peer groups, schools and the environment they've grown to love.
A key point to note here is that the degree that children are affected by a move differs depending on their personality. Introverts are more likely to be more affected by a move as compared to extroverted children.
But since our discussion is solely based on toddlers, and as we've learnt, the impact is not as adverse as with older children, there are several things you can do to ease your toddler's tension and make their transition into the new house easier. Let's take a sneak peek.
It's clear that moving house isn't very good for toddlers. However, all is not lost. There are several ways that you, as a parent, can make the moving process a little less stressful.
Top on the list is to ensure yourself you are not stressed about it since kids often mirror your feelings. Once your emotions are in check, here are other strategies to implement.
Children may seem oblivious to what's happening around them, but they are pretty intelligent. They can sense the changing atmosphere and wonder about what's happening to their home. Thus, it's better to ease this stress by explaining the move in simple terms.
Depending on how verbal they are, you can choose to draw, use their stuffed animals or simply explain in plain language what's going to happen in the coming days.
Babies enjoy attention. The best you can do is take some time off the packing and coordinating with the moving company and snuggle them a little. A few hugs here, a little tickle there, and a handful of games during the packing and moving process can make a lot of difference.
By all means, don't be so engrossed in all the activities that go with a moving house that you forget there's a baby around. Try as much as possible to engage with them playfully.
Another way to make your toddler feel safe is to read them bedtime stories with characters they can connect to. A story about a fictional character that moves to a new home and finds it exciting and fun is perfect.
You want to retain the familiarity they are used to as long as possible. So, allow them to use their toys until the last minute. Additionally, pack their beddings once everything has been packed. They should be able to sleep in their usual beddings on the night before the move.
When unpacking, the children's room should be the top priority on the first day. Atleast they'll have a safe space if the house is a mess with boxes all over. Again, as much as you'll be tempted to spread new beddings for a fresh start in the new house, resist this temptation.
Your toddler will be more comfortable sleeping in their familiar sheets the first few days of the move. The familiar smell of the beddings can also help with uninterrupted sleep. Furthermore, make sure they have their favourite toys or other items they love going to bed with.
Nothing communicates home like familiar faces. So, once you are settled, invite family and friends to visit. This will help your baby feel safe soon enough. Suppose you moved far away and family and friends can't visit. Zoom calls can be a great substitute. Though they won't be there in person, your child will definitely recognize their face and voice.
Depending on your child's age, you can support them in making new friends in the new locality. Straight up, you can organize a housewarming party and invite your new neighbours and their children. Hopefully, your child can find an age mate and connect. The playground is an equally great place to meet other children.
We are an expert removals company in York ready to help with all your moving house needs. Let us cushion you from all the stress associated with a move so that you can take care of your toddler without a worry in the world. Contact us today for a free quote.