After a couple years, kids can turn out tough, at least tougher than we give them credit for. They handle a lot of the same challenges as adults, but they do it without the benefit of experience that we so often rely on. Infants haven’t yet gained this advantage. The main reason they cry so often is that every grumbling stomach, minor scrape, or soiled diaper is literally some of the worst pain that they’ve experienced in their short life. Discomfort is new for them after an easy ride in the womb, so it’s harder to deal with.
As they get a little older, they are a little more accustomed to the challenges of life. They learn about the world and what it means to exist. Then you get the email. It’s an offer letter. You start your new job next month. It’s the doctor. The only hospital that can help is across the country. It’s your uncle. He isn’t living in his house anymore and offers to let you stay there rent-free.
Whatever the reason, you need to move. Kids can be okay with moving or even love the process, but it’s not usual. The surroundings that they’ve come to rely on are being taken away. It’s new, so it’s hard, just like when they were newborn.
Here’s what we recommend. For young kids, give them a month’s notice if possible. Any less is too little to grasp the situation and any more will end with them mulling it over in the head to the point of madness. With potential home buyers taking a look and realtors stopping by, it’s sometimes hard to keep things under wraps, so it’s okay to err on the side of telling early.
When you do tell them, how you tell them is crucial. For teens, it may be best just inform them; they’re nearly adults and sugar coating could just be seen as offensive. For younger introverts, just be there for them. Talk with them about it and give them time to think before talking more. Younger extroverts are best served by turning the entire experience into an adventure. Tell them about the chance to see new places and meet new people. Dare them to have fun.
It’s rarely easy, but just make it through like always. Being a parent is usually impossible, so just do your best and it’ll work out.