For a child, a change of house can be a great source of anguish and anxiety, since he/she feels that he/she is being deprived of everything that gives him/her security: his/her room, neighborhood, friends, school, among other things. Children under 3 years of age usually adapt faster to these changes, but for older children it is essential to involve them so that they can face this process in the best way. Mag. Mary Castro, psychologist of our clinic, gives us some advice on this subject.

How can you support your child?

• Tell him/her that you will be moving soon. Do this in a warm and calm tone, answering all of his/her questions. Remember that, being a child, the change will affect him/her in some way.
• Take him/her to see his/her new home. Show him/her his/her room and the spaces he/she will share with the family. Invite him/her to imagine everything they will be able to do there and ask him/her how he/she would like to decorate his/her bedroom.
• Take a tour of the surrounding area. This will allow him/her to become familiar with nearby parks, stores and recreational facilities, helping him/her feel more comfortable in him/her new surroundings.
• Involve them in the process. Invite him/her to sort through his/her personal items and choose what he/she wants to take and what he/she wants to donate. Also ask him/her to help you pack his/her suitcase. This way, he/she will feel motivated and the process will be friendlier.
• Listen to their comments and suggestions. Once they are settled in the new house, pay attention to them and make them feel that their opinion is important. This will reduce the stress of the change.
• Be understanding of his/her mood swings. It’s likely that, by moving, he/she will lose contact with some friends or that the distance to school will be greater, which could make him/her uncomfortable.
• Accompany him/her in his/her adaptation process. Be patient and offer constant support while he/she gets used to his/her new home.

Remember:

Follow these tips to make the move easier for your child. The right support will make all the difference, helping them to adapt and feel secure in this new stage. Good luck!

Mag. Mary Castro
Psychologist of Clínica Ricardo Palma