Practical Parenting

by Crystal Linn

 

Crystal Linn is a childcare expert and a professional writer. She is co-founder of
C and C Educational Consultants, a Bothell-based company that works with childcare professionals and also offers children's workshops and parenting classes. Crystal enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry and sailing. She would love to hear from you at candceducationalconsultants@gmail.com or at (206) 715-2505.

Moving is difficult, and as much as we love our children, they can make a family move even more difficult. It is much easier to say, "I love you, now please go play while I pack." Yet, for some reason, the more children are involved in the process, the less they act out. While young children cannot pack your good china, there are things each child can do to help, regardless of their age.

1. Talk with your children about the move and their new home ahead of time. If possible, allow them to see the house/apartment before the move and discuss their new bedrooms and all of the different fun things they can do. For older children, discuss more 'adult' factors such as the neighborhood and economics.

2. Encourage each child to engage in age-appropriate moving activities. Young children can put their toys in a box and their clothes in a backpack. They are unable to do it as neatly as we could but it will make them feel important, which will lead towards better behaviors. Trust older children to help pack things like your silver and good china. It will validate them and will save you time.

3. Keep your frustrations private. Inside you may be groaning because this is your third move in three years. If your children know that you are unhappy, they will gladly act out your frustrations for you and, as a result, be less cooperative. Be as enthusiastic as possible in front of the children and talk about their new, positive adventure.

Recently I discovered that these three tips are great for older parents living with their children and grandchildren.

I hope none of you must move in the near future but, if you must, I trust these simple tips will make the process somewhat easier for you.

To your parenting success,

Crystal

Quotable Parenting Quote:

Parents need to fill a child's bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can't poke enough holes to drain it dry - Alvin Price