By Lillian Brooks
Changing schools, leaving a familiar environment, and saying goodbye to childhood friends are a few of the many challenges kids face during relocation. But as research has shown, kids possess higher levels of adaptability than adults and can adjust to change faster. However, they cannot do this singlehandedly and require constant support from parents through the relocation process. For families planning to relocate to Palmdale, CA, this article by Laity Institute of the Arts provides an in-depth guide on what to expect and how to help your child adjust to their new home.
Buy the Right Home
A child’s needs only increase with age, and your home should be able to cater to these needs. This can include having an outdoor space, and extra bedrooms which your child can use once they outgrow the nursery.
As reported by Best Places, housing costs in Palmdale are significantly lower than the average in the state of California. The cost of buying a home in the city currently stands at $491,177. As a result, you can find the perfect home without having to stretch your finances to the limit.
Additionally, a recent survey included Palmdale as one of the safest places in the state, providing you peace of mind regarding the safety of your family.
To streamline the home buying process, consider working with a local real estate agent. Provide them with a list of your requirements, post which they’ll do the legwork of finding properties and scheduling viewings.
Create a Moving Plan
If you’re looking to save costs on moving, handling it yourself may sound like the cheapest option. However, you’ll need to purchase appropriate packaging items, rent a truck, do the heavy lifting and at the same time manage the needs of your child. In comparison, hiring movers will incur a slightly higher expense but significantly reduce the investment of time and effort, which can be utilized towards preparing your child for the move and handling other responsibilities. To find the best deals on moving, research local movers and shortlist those that provide a ‘binding not to exceed quote’ that locks in the maximum cost you’ll pay for their services.
Help Your Child Adjust
To help your child avoid experiencing a sudden change in environment, inform them at the earliest regarding the decision to move. Depending on their age, they may or may not understand the depth of the situation, but you can make them excited for the move through the following ways:
Before moving, visit the new home with them and focus on the positives, such as a bigger backyard for them to play in and proximity to playgrounds.
Visit the local attractions such as art museums, movie theaters, restaurants, and more.
The days post-move will serve as a crucial transition period, where the uncertainty of a new environment can be stressful for your child. One of the best ways to help them overcome stress is to involve them in artistic activities as follows:
Introduce them to hobbies such as painting, drawing, dancing, etc. which serve as great creative outlets that promote mindfulness and distract them from move-related changes.
Give them a lead role in decorating the home. For instance, hang their paintings/drawings in their bedroom and other spaces in the house. This will help create a familiar environment and help them adjust to the home faster.
Make them a part of the local arts community. This can include enrolling them in classes in painting, music, animation, or theater. In addition to serving as a creative outlet, these classes will serve as a great medium to socialize and make new friends.
This same approach can be adapted to their new school. Encourage them to become a part of the theater or dance club so that they can make friends even beyond the classroom, develop similar interests and create a strong friend circle.
Supporting your child's emotional needs is key to helping them achieve a smooth relocation. Introducing them to the arts will provide a great outlet to keep stress in check and help them adjust to their new home, school, and environment.
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