There could be any number of reasons that led to you deciding to move to a different home. It could be that your current home no longer has the space you need, your mortgage or rental payments are too high, or even that you want to get out of a bad neighborhood. Regardless of this, your children may have their own thoughts or opinions about the move, and it could be prudent to acknowledge these, and even take them into account when making decisions.
Involve them in real estate broker appointments
When your child is distanced from the process, they may have more of a reason to fear it. Although toddlers and babies may not be able to understand what goes on at the different appointments, an older child might. Therefore, you might want to consider allowing them to browse the information readily available about Compass.com. This way, they may be able to educate themselves about what is required to sell or buy a home, as well as listen in to the conversations. Likewise, it could also be helpful to allow them to join in some of the viewings you attend. Should you find a home you love, you may also want to book a second appointment, if your child wasn’t present the first time, so that they can give their own opinion.
Stress-induced depression
Some children may fall into a mild state of depression when moving home. They may not be able to properly manage their emotions or might feel overwhelmed by what is going on. This could lead to outbursts, tantrums, and even problems eating or sleeping. Having open and honest conversations about the move could help to put their mind at rest a little. This could include helping them acknowledge how they’re feeling, and even offering reassurance. If you feel stressed or anxious, sharing a small amount of information about this may even enable them to see that they aren’t alone in those feelings.
Build excitement
At the same time, a child may also feel thrilled and excited about moving house. This could allow them to get away from people or places that they dislike or, if they’re lucky, result in a larger or own bedroom. An easy way to help them become excited can be the promise of getting to decorate their new bedroom. Not only can this give them something to look forward to, but it could also allow them to personalize their new living space, making it feel more like theirs even sooner.
Moving to a new home can allow you to gain more space, or even make like a little more affordable. When doing so, you might want to think about the conflicting emotions that your child may face. Allowing them to be a part of the move, and genuinely listening to their opinion, could help to reduce some of that stress and allow them to see the positive aspects associated with a different home.
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