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It is a busy season in my daughter Amanda’s life. They are in the process of moving! It’s a huge undertaking to move a family of 5, even if it is just 5 miles away as is their reality.
I’m so excited for them! They are heading for an old farmhouse in the country with a huge yard for the kids to play in.
But it doesn’t come without some nostalgia and sadness of the wonderful neighborhood they are leaving behind where kids play in the cul de sac as if they were the original Sandlot cast.
So I’ve been thinking of what I can do, even from a distance, to help with the transition to their new house, and to celebrate this new season their family is beginning.
Related: If you are experiencing the grief of your grown kids and grandkids moving away for the first time, read this blog post. Almost exactly 6 years later I can say we have healthy relationships with each of our grandchildren even at a distance.
I’m keeping the following thoughts and ideas in mind for helping kids move (both my grandkids and my grown kids) and will definitely be implementing a few!
1. Emotional Support
Even fun moves can be stressful. Keep in mind that it could be the move causing any sad or anxious feelings. Be ready to listen and reassure them that it is okay to have feelings about moving.
2. Read Books About Moving
Reading a story together with your grandchild can be a comforting way to ease anxiety and open up conversations about moving. Here are a couple of great reads!
- Boomer’s Big Day by Constance McGeorge
- The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan & Jan Berenstain
3. Send a Goodbye Party
Depending on the time available and the circumstances surrounding the move, it may be appropriate to send a little party in a box.
Provide a gift card for take out, along with some paper products and encourage them to share some favorite memories from their current home.
If there is a bit of time and they are still packing, you could include a small container for them to make a time capsule with drawings or small objects that represent life in that home. They can seal it up and open it up together on a future occasion.
4. Send a Housewarming Party
The craziness of moving calls for takeout.
Send a gift card for dinner along with celebratory paper products (because they may not know where the dishes are!) This is a great opportunity to utilize Walmart PLUS if you are a member.
Encourage them to share some of the things they are looking forward to in their new home.
5. A Little Something For their Room
A special personalized gift for their new room will contribute to your grandchild feeling at home in their new space. Choose something with their name, initials or that reflects their personal interest. This can be a very thoughtful and special touch when helping kids move.
Don’t forget to check with your grown kids if there are decor themes you should take into consideration.
6. Don’t Miss the Milestones when Helping Kids Move
Big life moments happen even in the middle of big moves.
- Was a grade completed?
- A goal scored?
- A tooth lost?
- A Drivers License gained?
Don’t let these life milestones get lost or forgotten in the hectic pace of moving. You can also celebrate the small moving victories too.
- Did they set up their room?
- Sleep all night in their new space?
- Plant some flowers?
- Invite a friend over?
Make a quick FaceTime call or send a text in celebration!
7. You’ve Got Mail!
Grandkids love mail! Imagine their delight when they discover mail waiting for them in the mailbox of their new home! As soon as possible send a card or letter describing how excited for them to have completed their move. Use your Over the River PLUS membership and send a card with a few activity pages their way.
Ask lots of questions about their house, and invite them to write back and maybe even include a picture or ‘map’ of what their new home looks like.
- What are they discovering as they explore their new area?
- A fun park?
- A restaurant they want to try?
- A nature trail?
You can’t wait to hear about it!
Moving is no small feat from any perspective. However even if I am not there to help physically, these ideas give me the confidence that I can support and celebrate my grandkids as they move into their new home!