Kids upset about moving to new house

[Anonymous]

Any suggestions to help get my kids excited about moving to a new house? We’re still in the same city, so it’s really about the fact that they’re used to our current house and don’t want to move, as opposed to leaving friends and family behind. I’m hoping that they’ll come around once we move, but would appreciate any advice.

[Anonymous]

Why did you move? I suppose there's something better about the new house, or the new location? Try to sell them on it. We've been looking for years, and once we find a larger house, I know my kids will be so happy - right now we're 4 to a tiny bathroom.

[Anonymous]

Get them involved in the process. Let them pick out the paint for their room, decor, where XYZ furniture should go, etc.

I assume the new house is purchased already? Have they seen it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get them involved in the process. Let them pick out the paint for their room, decor, where XYZ furniture should go, etc.

I assume the new house is purchased already? Have they seen it?

This, do their rooms first and make them special and exciting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get them involved in the process. Let them pick out the paint for their room, decor, where XYZ furniture should go, etc.

I assume the new house is purchased already? Have they seen it?

This but also let them know it’s okay to be sad about moving and leaving their old home. That sometimes we can feel both happy and sad at the same time. That it’s okay to be nervous about a big change.

[Anonymous]

I didn't do that. The kids didn't need to be excited about our move. They can mope if they want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't do that. The kids didn't need to be excited about our move. They can mope if they want.

This post wasn’t for you. Sheesh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get them involved in the process. Let them pick out the paint for their room, decor, where XYZ furniture should go, etc.

I assume the new house is purchased already? Have they seen it?

This but also let them know it’s okay to be sad about moving and leaving their old home. That sometimes we can feel both happy and sad at the same time. That it’s okay to be nervous about a big change.

+1

Validate their sad feelings which are totally normal and ok, while helping them get excited about the new house.

[Anonymous]

My kids also had trouble with their less an a quarter mile move to a SFH. i let them pick out paint color and their rooms are inarguably bigger. but it was still a transition. i was surprised...it'll just take time.

[Anonymous]

I think it's kind of ok if they aren't excited. Honestly OP. I dislike moving and always feel a bit sad about leaving a place behind. Which doesn't mean I'm not happy once I get to a new place.

"I know you're a bit bummed about moving and it can be hard to leave a house you're used to. I think the new house will be great. [Say something specific here about what is great about your new house or street that they would care about.]"

And then they're going to feel how they feel.

[Anonymous]

I'd help them take pics of their current house and make a little scrapbook or snapfish book of it. Have them write down fun things that happened in different places.

There's a weird connection kids have to the house they grew up in. I moved at 12. The house I grew up in is the one that shows up in my dreams (most people say this!) and where my best memories were. I was really sad when we moved even though our new house was huge and brand new.

[Anonymous]

In addition to the other suggestions, maybe show them Inside Out? It's all about feelings related to moving and is very well done. Plus, it's an entertaining movie.

[Anonymous]

Ages? They might not even remember the old house, OP!

[Anonymous]

My parents moved out the house I grew up in years after I was out on my own. I still sobbed my eyes out the last time I was in the house. Your kids' feelings are totally valid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get them involved in the process. Let them pick out the paint for their room, decor, where XYZ furniture should go, etc.

I assume the new house is purchased already? Have they seen it?

This but also let them know it’s okay to be sad about moving and leaving their old home. That sometimes we can feel both happy and sad at the same time. That it’s okay to be nervous about a big change.

Yes, both of these things. It is OK to be sad, nervous, etc - we need children to know that this is normal so that they learn how to handle these things as they grow up. that being said, it's also fun to decorate the new house, and for them it's their room. What color paint on their bedroom wall? Do they want one new (if you can afford it) piece of furniture?

Also, they can start thinking what they would like in the backyard (if you have one) - what could we use on our backyard? picnic table? trampoline? sandbox? swingset? You won't buy it ALL but it would be useful to get their feedback (especially if they are 6 years old and older) about what they'd like to do - if nobody talks about a swingset, then I wouldn't buy one, etc.

(a friend of mine's daughter was SO EXCITED when she reported that she had a BEDSIDE TABLE FOR HER BOOKS in her new bedroom - her bedroom had always been too small for this little convenience. So it's the little things! Truly, that bedside table for a LAMP and HER BOOKS (she was 5 years old) meant she was living her best life!