Moving to a new home with a special needs child can be a big challenge if you are unprepared. Special needs children must be prepared physically, emotionally, and psychologically when moving to a new environment. Use the following ten tips when moving with a special needs child for a smooth transition.
10 Tips For Moving With A Special Needs Child
1. Set Your Expectations
The first thing you need to think about is your last move with your special needs child. If it has been a few years since your last move, your child has changed. Therefore, you should brace yourself for the unexpected.
Remember that adjusting to a new environment, new friends, and a new school can be tough on a special needs child. However, you should take everything in stride and be there to encourage and comfort them during this stressful period.
2. Maintain A Positive Attitude
You are likely moving to a new place with many new opportunities. In this case, you are excited about the move. On the other hand, if your relocation results from a change of circumstances like loss of employment or a family breakup, the new location isn’t a place you are looking forward to.
However, you should maintain a positive attitude for the sake of your special needs child. If your child notices your dull emotions, it may also be hard for them to adjust to the new home. Focus on the bright side of the move to help you maintain happy thoughts and a positive attitude.
3. Consult Widely
Moving to a new home involves consulting different people to find the right amenities for your child. Besides asking your current physician for recommendations, ask your child’s teachers for advice on the best schools near your new home.
You should also reach out to families with a child with the same condition. Also, make friends with families near your home and children of similar age. When your child has a friend to play with or starts school, it will help them adapt to the unfamiliar environment.
4. Involve Your Child
Before moving to a new home, you must involve your child. Start talking to them early. Make your child feel that their feelings and thoughts are essential. During the discussions, talk to your kids about what to expect and how things will be in their new home.
5. Allow Your Child To Make Decisions
Give your child the chance to make decisions. For example, ask them which room they prefer in the new house. Ask the whole family to make a wish list with things that would make each member happy. Writing all this down on paper will raise some positive anticipation.
6. Familiarize Your Child With The New House
Creating a moving book is one way to make the transition easier for your child. This enables your child to see your new home and has mental pictures. For example, you could show them the location of their room, school, and amusement park.
Also, consider the modifications that will accommodate your child’s disability. This could be alarm systems and ramps. Create a timeline for these modifications or determine whether you could make the changes after moving in.
7. Set Up The Child’s Room First
After you arrive at your new home, ensure you set up your child’s room first. When a child sees familiar possessions in their new room, they will be less anxious about the changes. Therefore, put aside all your child’s belongings when you arrive at your new home. These items should be loaded in the moving truck last so they are moved to the new house first.
8. Go House Hunting Together
If it’s possible to shop for a house with your child, it will be easier for them to adjust to the new environment. This makes the child feel in control. During the home showings, ensure there are brief playground visits.
Also, ensure you tour other amenities near the new home, like the school, park, shopping center, and church. This will allow the child to take in the new environment before moving in. As a result, your child will be psychologically and emotionally prepared for the move.
9. Transport
Moving to a new location may drive long hours before arriving at your new home. It may help to split and plan this journey to make it more digestible. You might consider spending a night or two in a hotel.
Make sure your car is roadworthy and prepared. Also, consider enlisting a moving service to transport your goods instead of filling your vehicle with items. The aim is to ensure that the road trip isn’t exhausting and uncomfortable for your child.
10. Sustenance
During your move to a new home, ensure your child sleeps and eats well. Additionally, multivitamins will support the child’s immune system during this period because the journey will drain their energy levels. Sustain with a balanced diet and ensure they have sufficient sleep time. This means driving in silence. As a result, they will arrive at the new home in high spirits and less exhausted.
Moving With A Special Needs Child
Moving to a new home can be challenging, especially when it involves a special needs child. You must set the stage for your child to fit in without physical, emotional, or psychological problems. Preparation is vital when relocating, and it will make the difference between a positive and negative experience. Follow these moving tips to make your move less stressful for you and your special needs child.
