The Great Reshuffling that took place over the pandemic has changed more than just the demographic outlook of some counties. It affected the lifestyle of individuals and families, especially those who have children. Sometimes parents are so caught up with the stress of moving, they forget how impactful this experience is for their children.
According to a new survey from Zillow, parents were more likely to move during the Great Reshuffling than any other member of the population. The survey found that 14% of adults with children under the age of 18 moved within the past year compared to just 9% of adults without kids. However, nearly one third of parents were concerned that their most recent move would cause stress on their children.
Nobody wants to say good-bye to their friends, their old bedroom, or the town they grew up in. It’s especially difficult if the parents don’t know how their child will adjust to their new home. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear can be magnified for parents, who typically have to deal with more challenges when buying and selling a home. Zillow research reports that 51% of parents cried while selling their home, compared to 36% of other adults.
Parents are also more likely to go over-budget when buying a home, or make compromises to stay in their budget. Zillow’s research also shows that parents are more likely to spend ample time shopping for a home, and attend more open houses because they have longer wish lists and tighter finances.
In order to ease the transition of moving, Zillow offers a children’s ebook that will help children acclimate to their new environment. The ebook includes a discussion guide for parents, including expert advice from Reena B. Patel, a parenting, education and behavior expert.
“As parents, we often move to create a better life for our children, to develop connections and to grow as a family,” says Patel. “I know personally that moving to a new home can be emotional and scary, and yet moving can help build resilience and open new opportunities. Children have a stronger sense of control over their moving anxiety when they directly participate in moving-related activities. Parents can take steps to make their family's move a positive experience.”
The ebook, The Girl Who Didn’t Want To Move, chronicles the move of a fictional young girl, Ida, along with her parents and special friends, Jupitus and Annika. Throughout the story, Ida tackles what it means to move to a new home, what to expect, and learns to cope with the complex emotions behind the experience. In the end, Ida learns that moving does not take away the things you love, but adds to them.
Zillow offers some additional tips for parents who plan on moving:
Start early: Try to prepare your children for a move as early as possible. Use a map to show them where their new home or school will be. Look at photos online and point out their new bedroom or the tree in the backyard that's perfect for climbing.
Allow time to say good-bye: Set up virtual or safe in-person playdates to give your child a chance to say goodbye to their friends and neighbors.
Maintain connections: Help your child create a concrete way to stay connected with friends through email, text, letters or phone calls.
Manage your own stress first: Children often take on their parents' emotions, so taking steps to reduce your stress during a move can help everyone.
Create a sense of belonging: Give your children the feeling of ownership over their space by allowing them to decorate or select special furnishings they want.
Be consistent: Return to family routines as quickly as possible with established bedtimes, family time and mealtimes.
Most of the time, parents are happy once they move, and most report that positive experiences came as a result of it. Most parents cited watching their child thrive in a new place (44%) as their reason for being happy. Additionally, 30% say they are a better parent to their child because of their most recent move. Overall, 81% of parents said their most recent move was worth it.
