But children may not view things in the same light, particularly if they have close friends and/or family where they live currently. The concept of moving to a different school and away from established relationships can cause a lot of apprehension in children.
While it can be tough for kids to move away from familiar people, places, and things, there are things you should do to help with the transition to Tulsa.
Honest Communication
Make sure they are aware each point along the way. Children must feel free to express their jitters as well as being able to ask questions so be prepared to provide facts and answer any questions they may have. While some of their views and worries may be negative, be ready with understanding and optimistic answers. Be careful to not invalidate their worries but, rather, recognize their concerns and find ways that you can work together to overcome them.
Introduce Them to Their New Home in Tulsa
If feasible, let them visit the new neighborhood and even to the new home. Let them get acquainted to where they will be moving to. If it is not a possibility to visit the new home and locale, take pictures or videos so they'll have an inkling of what the new place will look like. Be positive to point out all of the positive features of the move (bigger rooms, gigantic yard, etc.).
Take them for a Tour of the School
It may not be a possibility to do this on site, but the vast majority of schools in America have a website. Go to the local school board's website and you'll likely find information about your child(ren's) new school(s). Tell them about the wide selections of school clubs and activities that they will be able to participate in. School may be a giant cause of anxiety for children and also one of the largest parts of their lives, so it is important that they are prepared before their first day at a new school. If you're capable of taking them on a physical tour of the new school, be sure to introduce them to key players like the principals and guidance counselors.
Involve Them in Packing
There are a lot of age-appropriate methods that kids can be included in the task of packing up. Allow them to assist you box up their personal things in moving boxes and let them label the boxes of their items. (A bonus is they can pick through their belongings and give away or trash items that they no longer need.)
Stick with Routines
Moving to Tulsa might be a frantic and tiring occasion for parents but don't let this deter you from maintaining the same familiar routines the kids are used to. Children need to have consistency to feel safe and moving time is one of those occasions when it's absolutely necessary. Since they're already experiencing a period of uncertainty by moving to a new place, it's even more important to keep as many things familiar as possible.
Decorate Their Rooms First
Kids need structure and familiarity so it's imperative that their new rooms be as familiar to them as possible. By decorating their bedrooms first, you let them know that they are cherished parts of a new life. Including them in the process fortifies this need and makes them feel cared about and “at home”.
Investigate the New Neighborhood
Help your children in getting to know the new lay of the land, landmarks, and neighbors. Encourage them to meet new friends and grasp the layout of the new area so they don't feel quite so lost.
Avoid Stress
When parents stress, kids stress. That's why it is a good idea to employ everything you can think of to be sure you don't feel stressed out, yourself. By employing a professional moving company to aid you in your residential move, you nix lots of the stress from your shoulders so you can focus more on the important stuff.
The end game when moving with children is to ensure they are feeling safe and secure. If you take every chance to help them see the happy side of the move and get excited about it, your chances of making them feel important are higher and they will be much happier embracing your new home in Tulsa.
