How Children Can Benefit Developmentally from Helping with A Move

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Unfortunately, as stressful as moving is for adults, the psychological effects of moving on children may be underestimated. Research shows that moving for children results in various issues for children, depending on age and frequency. Specifically, the MacArthur Foundation found:

• Residential moves during early and middle childhood have long-term effects on social-emotional outcomes, suggesting that stability is particularly important early in life.
• Residential moves during middle childhood and early adolescence impede school performance, but effects fade with time.
• Moves to a new school are also stressful for children, disrupting their academic skills as well as emotional functioning.

However, there are also plenty of ways to not only incorporate the help of your children when moving, but to use this transition as a time of learning and development. Here are some key ways you can help your child(ren) prepare, grow, and change as you make your next move.

Sorting Teaches Logic and Priorities

Michigan State University reports that simple matching and sorting activities are "early stages of math development." Considering that matching and sorting require thinking and reasoning skills as well as fine motor skills, having your child assist in this creative way can contribute to strong logic and problem-solving skills in the future. A few examples of ways to incorporate this include:

• Sort toys by size
• Sort clothes by those that fit and those that don't.
• Sort shoes by color

Provides Motor Skills and Exercise

With the advances in technology, it's no secret that today's kids don't always get enough exercise. In fact, the 2018 U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth (aged 6 - 17) indicates that only 24 percent of American youth "meet the guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity every day," but moving is the perfect opportunity to get them away from the electronics and to be more active! A few ways you can incorporate exercise and motor skills are:

• Have them tape boxes.
• Move and separate boxes.
• Carry items to specific areas.

Children Packing Their Own Things Learn Responsibility

Children are often overloaded with toys, gadgets, and thing-a-majigs that they may have even forgotten they had. This, in turn, can create a sense of disconnect from the things they have. However, when children are given the responsibility of packing their own things, this gives them more responsibility for the things they have and a greater appreciation for them as well. The Center for Parenting Education suggests that responsibility includes components like doing something to the best of one's ability, accepting credit when you do things right and acknowledging mistakes, and being a contributing member of one's family, community and society. What better way to encourage these things than with the packing and moving process?

Packing with Parents Creates Emotional Bonding

Naturally, spending time together creates bonds. Since moving is often a stressful time, it can provide an opportunity for you and your child(ren) to work together through the transition. Imagine packing, sorting, and working together as you share thoughts, ideas, and tasks.

Packing Together Prepares a Child for the Move

While you're bonding through the moving process, this will naturally serve to prepare the child(ren) for the move. Children who are changing schools are especially stressed out so if you're able to connect with them while packing and address their concerns, this will better prepare them for the move. For example:

• Describe the new school.
• Point out positive aspects of your new home.
• Ask questions and get answers about their concerns.
• Describe your new neighbors.

Children Who Are Involved with Moving Are More Prepared as Adults

Life is uncertain. While moving can turn a child's world all topsy-turvy, it also serves to prepare them for the unpredictability of life. As a parent, you can use this experience to help them learn to adapt, grow, and accept the constantly changing world.

And of course, you can help lessen the overall stressors of moving by incorporating the help of a qualified moving company. A-1 Freeman Moving Group is here to assist you in any way we possibly can. Whether you're moving a few blocks away or a few states away, contact us today to find out how we can help your family move more safely and efficiently.