How to Help Your Child Make Friends After the Move

 

By now, you are certainly aware of the detailed and difficult process that is moving your entire household. And according to the experts, long-distance moving is two times more difficult than local moving. You had to take care of many tasks such as hiring movers, decluttering your home, getting moving supplies, packing, and many others. But after doing all of these things, you and your family still have the job of settling into your new home and neighborhood. In the first stages, your children might need your help getting used to the new environment. No matter how old they are, they will be leaving behind the security of friends and family, so finding a new support network is crucial. The best way to help them do so is to introduce them to the people that live there. So, in this article, we are going to cover some of the best ways to help your child make friends in your new hometown. 

Children and long-distance moving

You might be well aware that the adjustment of your children to a new home and neighborhood might not be an easy task. That is why it is essential to first make them feel settled and familiar with the new house. You can prepare your home for children by first setting up the kids’ room. Seeing their favorite toys and other belongings will make them feel more at home.

A long-distance move can be hard for your child.

In the same way, you were preparing for your long-distance move by carefully choosing a moving company with the best recommendations to handle all the tasks, you should carefully enter the process of adjusting. When your moving company has finished unloading your belongings from the moving truck and unpacking them at your home, there are still going to be many things left to do. A great way to reduce the stress after the move is to get your child involved in the process of arranging a new home. So, you do not have to do it all alone. Your child will probably be happy to be involved in the process and will therefore feel like they are a part of this new chapter in your family’s life.

Ways to help your child make friends in the new neighborhood

Once your child feels comfortable and safe at your new family home, it is time to get familiar with the neighborhood. Luckily, there is a variety of things you can do to help your children with this, but also to have some fun and make friends yourself. You may start with some of the things from this list if they seem appealing to you:

• Get to know your neighbors – the best way to help your child make friends is to make some yourself

• Throw a party – a housewarming party that will have a theme appealing to children is a good idea

• Research activities for children – sports and other activities are a great way for your child to meet new people

• Let your pet make friends for you – having a pet makes it easier to bond with other animal lovers

Getting to know your neighbors

One of the best ways to help your child make friends after the move is to make some friends yourself. It is common for people to come to introduce themselves to new neighbors, but why not be the one to make the first step? You could be the one to introduce yourselves. A good idea can be baking cupcakes with your child and then offering them to some neighbors. There might be a lot of people who have children among your neighbors. If you befriend them, your children may become friends with their children. Then it would be easier to schedule playdates or do fun activities with the other family.

Get to know your neighbors – they might have children who can become friends with your children

Throwing a housewarming party

Another great way to introduce yourselves to new people is to throw a housewarming party for your neighbors. A good idea would be to make the theme around something that is appealing to children. There are many great ways to spruce up the party. For example, put on the invitation that children are free to dress up as a favorite cartoon character. You can also make decorations for the party together with your child that revolve around the theme.

Sign your kids up for an activity

According to the experts from Here & Now Movers, many towns have their own sports centers where kids can indulge in their favorite sports activities. Visit your community’s website and find out what the upcoming events are. Ask your child if he or she would like to be a part of a sports team that plays their favorite sport. Team sports are a great way for your child to meet peers and make new friends. If your child is not that into sports, there are always many alternatives like dancing lessons, drawing classes, and others. Talk with your child and decide together where they would feel the most comfortable.

Signing them up for activities is a great way to help your child make friends.

Let your pet make friends for you

If you have a dog, making friends with other dog lovers would be a piece of cake. You and your child can take the family pet for a walk in the park. There will certainly be other people with dogs there, and maybe some parents with children who also love animals. You can let your child talk to those children, or if they are shy, you can approach the parent and start having a conversation. 

Additional advice

Some children make friends easier than others. Sometimes you only have to set the stage for them to meet people, like throwing a housewarming party. On the other hand, many children – especially school-age children can be shy and will need your help. The best way to help your child make friends is always setting an example for them. You are a figure that they look up to and will want to follow in your footsteps. If you are open and welcoming to other people, your child may be encouraged to act more in the same way. That is when all of your additional efforts will pay off.

Photos used

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-girls-wearing-dress-while-holding-hands-3662817/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-blue-t-shirt-and-black-pants-standing-beside-white-van-7464643/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/cute-family-picture-160994/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-group-of-kids-playing-football-at-the-field-8813512/