A home move can be a stressful time for anyone, especially your children. Keywest estate agents Leicester discuss how to help children adjust to the move
Maintaining a sense of security and stability during any move is vital for well-being and enjoyment of the moving adventure. For children especially, the transition to a new place of residence can often be thrilling yet uncertain.
Recent reports by the University of Leicester School of Education suggest that good behaviour and effective learning relate to children’s ability to cope well with major changes such as moving home, as such events can often have a lasting impact on their personalities and development. Here are Key West’s top tips for helping families to adjust to a move to Leicester.
Talk About the Move and Plan a Party
Chartered educational psychologists from the British Psychological Society (BPS) say that carefully listening to children’s questions, giving as much information as possible about the impending move and going on preparatory visits to the new place can make the move seem both real and familiar, helping them to focus on the positives. Remembering that children’s concerns may not be expressed verbally, and remaining observant of any behavioural changes such as sudden shyness or refusing to eat properly, can offer clues as to their levels of anxiety about the move. Giving a party for children to collect contact details of friends so they can keep in touch can reassure them that they can still keep links with their old life, thereby easing feelings of loneliness about heading somewhere new. A house-warming event connecting with friends from both the old and new places can also help to create a better sense of permanence and encourage children to integrate more quickly with their peers in the new environment.
Join Teams, Clubs and Societies
Whether your child wants to play rugby, learn ballet or go horse riding, the many top-performing schools across Leicestershire, such as Leicester High School for Girls, Leicester Grammar School and Saint Paul’s Catholic School, offer plenty of opportunities for getting involved in clubs and societies. Such activities can boost children’s confidence, encourage new friendships and instil vital knowledge, life skills and values in a safe and supportive environment. Club-related social events can also be a good way for parents or guardians to meet other families and become part of local life in the neighbourhood.
Go Exploring
Fun and educational days out to get used to the new surroundings can be easily arranged, as there is always plenty to do in Leicester. What’s On and Visit Leicester’s current listings for January/February 2016 include musicals and ballet performances of Oliver and Sister Act at Leicester’s famous Curve Theatre, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake at De Montfort Hall, live star-gazing events and Doctor Who Science Trails at the futuristic National Space Centre and the Wild Space world of nature rainforests and deserts exhibition at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery.
Get Creative
BPS educational psychologists believe that moving stress is always reduced when children feel like they have some level of control over the situation. Although it is often not possible for parents or guardians to let children help them decide where to move to, allowing them to choose colours and decorations for their room can help to establish a better sense of connectedness, belonging and stability in the new home.
Are you planning a move to Leicester? Why not give Keywest Estate Agents a call today on 0116 254 4555 for advice and support.
