Moving with the kids? Take them to Inside Out. It’s summer time, so I took my sons to the movies one a hot afternoon. I love those Disney Pixar films but this one has to be my absolute favorite. Why? Because it deals with a subject near and dear to my heart -moving with children. By going ‘inside’ Riley’s head, they validate her feelings of the move by giving each of her emotions a character. Joy spends a great deal of time trying to mitigate the situation, but in the end Sadness plays a significant role. So powerful! I was amazed at their creativity and imagination in helping the audience understand her plight. It gave validation to what she was feeling.
When moving with your child, as illustrated in Inside Out, your kids do get lost in the shuffle of logistics, planning and settling in. However, it is so important to understand how your child is feeling and coping with it all. Think of all of the mixed emotions you are feeling and you are an adult and you have control. Now, think of all of the feelings your child may be experiencing and he or she is not in control.
Here are a few things you can do as a parent to mitigate the impact.
- Be the first to break the news. Your child should hear about the move from you and not overhearing a conversation. This makes them feel as if they are important and a part of the process.
- Sit down and discuss ways to keep your child involved. Make them feel as if they have a voice.
- If you have very young children, explain everything in an age appropriate manner. Realize they may cope with their stress in negative behavior.
- Validate your child’s feelings by giving them an outlet. Create an open door policy and make time for them. I know it is extremely difficult to carve out the time but do. They need to be reassured and made to feel a priority. Check out my Moving Journal for Kids. It’s a great tool to help you check in with your child and validate what they are feeling.
- Make use of technology during the transition. Your child will miss family and friends. Technology today allows us to narrow that gap. Offer age appropriate remedies to help.
Allowing your child’s feelings to become ‘Inside Out‘ during your move will make all the difference in a successful transition. By the way, it’s a great movie whether your moving or not, child or an adult. So, go see it!
