Moving with children

Setling in

• Do not rush through the settling in; take breaks from unpacking to explore the neighbourhood. Go out as a family to see local shops, restaurants, and people.  Be on the lookout for neighbourhood kids, and encourage your children to introduce themselves.
• Moving can be a hard adjustment for children, so avoid any unnecessary changes to your daily routine. Maintain normal playtimes, naptimes, mealtimes, and bathing routines. If you have any family rituals (like Friday night pizzas), continue to observe these. Do not make new rules unless they are absolutely necessary.
• Make setting up your children's bedrooms a top priority. Your child's bedroom should be their sanctuary, the place where they feels safest. Try to unpack their bedroom first.
• Set up physical boundaries with your children. Let them know which parts of the house they are free to explore, and which parts are off-limits. Establishing these rules from the outset will keep your children safe and provide a sense of order.
• Get your kids involved in after-school activities as soon as possible. Depending on your child's interests, there is a variety of activities in which she could happily take part: sports, drama, dance, book clubs, chess teams, and church groups, to name a few. After-school activities are a great way to socialise, so don't delay getting your child involved.
• Try to be at home when your kids come home from their first day at a new school.  It takes about six weeks for a child to settle in at a new school, and the first day can be rough. Be available for your children in case they need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on.