Articles Tagged "moving with kids"

The warm, wonderful days of summer are just around the corner, and that means children throughout Augusta County will be looking for fun activities to keep busy when school is out. Fortunately, there are plenty of great summer camps in the area that allow your kids to enjoy the season in a safe, active setting, make new friends, and pursue their passions. Our real estate agents are here to help you prepare for the season, with a guide to five of the best summer camps in the Staunton, VA area this year.

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8 Can't-Miss Tips to Help Your Kids Cope with a Move

Moving is difficult for the majority of us, but for a child, it can be an overwhelming experience that creates a large sense of loss. Even well-adjusted, happy children can be extremely affected by a new setting. However, there are moving tips and ideas you can put in place to ease the transition. Depending on how far you're moving or the age of your children, you can use multiple approaches to deal with issues that may arise.

1.  Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Children are amazingly adaptable and resilient. Even so, it helps to encourage those natural attributes by preparing them for a big change. For children, moving into the house next door is a big change. If the kids are young, read some age-appropriate books about moving. Describe the process, and what they'll see and experience. Even if the move isn't something you want to do, find ways to make it positive for your child. By being open and communicative about it, your child will start to prepare.

2.  Keep Kids Involved

One way children work through tough situations is to be a part of them. Allow your kids to have their own responsibilities during the move. Once you have the date on the family calendar for all to see, assign some easy tasks. Have them pack a couple boxes and let them label and decorate their boxes. Also, start having them design their new space by writing or drawing ideas.

Another area to keep kids involved in is the house hunting process. A viewpoint from another perspective is always helpful, and it's a way for them to feel a part of the decision. Start your search by making a family wish list of attributes you'd like to see in your new home.

3.  Create Lasting Memories

Letting your child say goodbye can be a crucial step in letting go of the old and moving onto the new. Give your kids a camera, journal, or scrapbook and let them document favorite memories or aspects of the home you're leaving. If you're making a longer-distance move, make an address book filled with friends and their information so they can keep in touch.

4.  Throw a Party

Parties are an easy way to turn something into a celebration. Invite friends and family, and celebrate a wonderful big life event. Include everyone in your lives that matter most.

5.  Have Special Options

Without help or childcare, getting everything done can become an impossible task. Provide kids some alternatives that will help them stay out from underfoot when you're scrambling to finish it all. This can include things like a bag of new toys, renting a couple movies they've never seen, or finding special activities that will keep them occupied.

6.  Pack an Essentials Bag

There are certain items that should be kept out until the last moment and have a special spot in the car so they're easily retrieved. Include favorite books or toys, lovies, snacks, a favorite CD, a change of clothes, and bath and bedtime necessities.

7.  Maintain Routines

In your new home, try and set up an area for your child that is filled with familiar things. Reassure them that they have access to you and that you're there to listen and help them work through their feelings. If you have a special pizza dinner on Friday nights, make sure to continue with that or any other regular routines you've instilled.

8.  Take Time

Moving can be exciting. Take time to explore your new neighborhood and play with moving boxes. Don't rush to unpack too quickly, and work together to make your new place into a home.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Harrisonburg, VA, contact our team at Old Dominion Realty today. They'll use their experience and knowledge to help your family through the moving process.

Smooth Move: Making the Move Easy on Your Family

Moving with children is one of the hardest tasks that parents face. Kids are used to familiar people and places, and they may not be old enough to understand adult reasons for why a move needs to happen. Here are some helpful tips on talking to your children to make moving with your family a little easier.

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