Tips On How To Tell The Kids About A Big Move
Being a dad is a big job, and sometimes the job requires you to make big announcements. When you get a shot at your dream job, it may not be local. In that case, you’ll have to know how to break the news to the family without breaking hearts along the way.
Change is tough for most people, and your kids will want a heads up on the move. Take a moment to read through a few tips on how to tell the kids you have to move, and break the news in a more encouraging way.
Tell the kids with time to spare
Kids may seem resistant to change, but they are super resilient when it comes to change as well. Tell them about the upcoming move with time to spare. Before you ever hire a moving company to move your stuff, let the kids know about the plan. They need time to really process the idea of moving to a new place.
It’s also helpful if the kids know that they are the first people you are telling about the move, so they feel like they are included and a part of a team. Get them involved with the idea, and hear what they have to say.
Allow them to ask questions
Let your kids ask all the questions they can possibly imagine about the move, and don’t lose patience. They may need to ask you ten questions a day until the day you move to feel comfortable about the process. Accommodate their needs.
Kids learn by asking questions, and you’re their dad. Teach them. Be open, and be honest. Let them know as many (age appropriate) details about the upcoming change as their little hearts desire.
Allow them to have feelings
Your kids probably have a whole lot to say about moving to a new place, and it’s important that you allow them to feel the emotions that arise. Allow for a certain level of angst and stubbornness regarding the move, and remember that they’re kids.
Be clear that the decision is final
It’s important to consistently show the children that you are sure of your decision. They need to feel sure too, and they feed off of your vibe. If kids sense that you are scared or uncertain, they will also feel scared and uncertain.
Reassure them that you’re a team
When your kids are feeling unsure about the upcoming events, it helps to reassure them that you’re all in this together. Kids want to feel like they’re a part of a group, and your family is the ultimate group/team. Give the kids little jobs along the way as you prepare for the move, and keep them engaged on move day as well.

