While you might want to stay in your present location for as long as possible, sometimes circumstances change, and you have to move. Often, there’s nothing you can do about it. You either live in a new house somewhere else or stop putting food on the table.
Kids, however, want nothing more than stability. So when you tell them that you’re moving, it can have a profound effect. For some, it can seem like the world is ending.
So how do you sell it to them? How do you get them onside?
Tell Then Why You’re Moving
Kids might not seem like rational creatures, but they certainly have a tremendous capacity for reason. So if you tell them why you have to move, most of them will understand.
You don’t have to go into complicated topics like foreclosures and mortgages – just give them the gist of it. It is important to show them that you’re making a decision out of necessity and that you’re doing it for the whole family. It isn’t just some random project – it is a great way to ensure your future financial security.
Don’t Brush Off Their Concerns
Undoubtedly, your kids won’t like the idea of moving to some far-flung destination. But don’t just brush off their concerns. Where possible, try to meet with them. Point out that their life might actually be better in several respects if you did indeed move, and that there is a lot to look forward to.
Where possible, highlight new and exciting things that they can expect once you complete the move. Talk about all the fantastic places you can visit and adventures that you can have.
Let Your Child Ask The Questions
A lot of parents feel the urge to give their kids a long-winded presentation, detailing every aspect of their lives after the move. But it is usually better to wait for the child to ask questions and then respond. Kids will often only talk about the things that concern them. Waiting and listening, therefore, gives you a good barometer of how they feel and the issues that you need to address going forward.
Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers. Just keep what you say honest and deal with the concerns of your child as they arise.
Talk About How They Will Stay In Touch With Friends
The current lockdown means that many of us are already helping our children stay in touch with their friends online. Kids, however, will want to know how they will communicate if they have to move to a different state or country.
Try setting them up on platforms like Skype or Zoom so that they can stay in touch with people back home for as long as possible.
Tell Your Kids That Things Will Be Better
Finally, remember to talk about how things will be better once you move to your new location. While it sounds scary, point out how it is an opportunity to start a new life and enjoy new things. It will be difficult for your child to adjust, but they will.
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