Moving to a new home can be a difficult thing for a child to understand and process. Children tend to become comfortable in their home and surroundings, and they might also be concerned about changing schools and missing the friends they made in their old neighborhood. However, the situation cannot always be avoided. If you’re selling a house and moving to a new location with your family, here are some tips to help make the process a bit easier for your kids.

How to Help Kids Cope When Selling a House

1. Give Them Time to Adjust

You might think you’re protecting your children by not telling them about the move until it’s logistically necessary. However, telling them about your plans as soon as you decide can help them gradually come to terms with the idea. Expect them to be upset early on, but sharing with them early lets them have the space they need to process their feelings and keeps them from feeling betrayed, like you hid something from them for a long period of time.

2. Take Them to Visit the New Home

It’s easier for kids to grasp an idea if they can see it with their own eyes. If you’re moving somewhere nearby, take them to the new home to show them all of the cool features and let them start planning their new room or play space. You might even drive them around the neighborhood to show them parks or fun activities to do. If you’re moving far away, show them pictures of the home, so they can at least get an idea of what to expect.

3. Be Ready to Answer Questions

Kids are going to have a lot of questions about the new home and life after the move. Be patient with them and try to answer everything as honestly and fully as you can. Don’t hide anything, but try to address all of their concerns in a positive way. For instance, if they’re worried about missing their friends, tell them they won’t see them in school anymore, but promise to set up weekend play dates a few times a month, as long as it’s possible.

If you’re selling a house and moving to a new location with your family, JoAnn Meier at RE/MAX First Choice can help. Serving families throughout the Waterloo, IL, area, JoAnn has more than three decades of real estate experience, so she can help your family understand all of the challenges and opportunities associated with the moving process. She’s an expert when it comes to scouring real estate listings, so she can help your family find the ideal space to call home, at the best possible value. If you’re selling a house or looking to buy your first property, call (618) 939-6003, or view a selection of her current listings online.