{"id":38634,"date":"2016-07-11T09:00:24","date_gmt":"2016-07-11T16:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movinginsider.com\/?p=38634"},"modified":"2019-06-27T13:44:01","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T20:44:01","slug":"7-ways-to-get-your-kids-excited-about-moving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uhaul.com\/blog\/2016\/07\/11\/7-ways-to-get-your-kids-excited-about-moving\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Get Your Kids Excited About Moving"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"kids\"<\/p>\n

Handling all the details of a move is one thing, but worrying about how it may be affecting your kids is another. When that moving truck<\/a>\u00a0or trailer<\/a> hits your driveway, you want your little ones to be ready for it. Even better, you want them to look forward to it. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get your kids excited about moving if they\u2019ve been less than enthused.<\/p>\n

Set an Example<\/h3>\n

Though you probably have a lot on your plate on moving day, try to maintain a positive attitude. Kids love to mirror their parents\u2019 actions, so if you\u2019re a Negative Nelly, chances are they will be too. Think of your role on moving day as that overzealous trainer in your exercise videos\u2014be direct, encouraging, and enthusiastic. Once your kids see how pumped you are about moving, \"fam\"they\u2019ll follow in your footsteps. If the whole family is in a good mood, the entire process will be easier on you as well. Here are a few things to remember:<\/p>\n

1. Have fun with it. <\/b>Moving isn\u2019t something you do every day. Though it can be stressful, do your best to make it a fun experience for the family. Be out of the ordinary, and wake your kids up by entering their room with a boom box and dancing around to celebrate moving day.<\/p>\n

2. Let it go. <\/b>No matter how careful you are, something is bound to go wrong on moving day. Something will break or get lost, and that\u2019s out of your control. Especially if it’s your child who makes a mistake, do your best to smile and let it roll off your shoulders. Disrupting the positive mood you\u2019ve created for your kids isn\u2019t worth a 30-second temper tantrum.<\/p>\n

3. Take advantage of your time together. <\/b>Some of my favorite moving memories include the laughs I\u2019ve had with my family. Though you\u2019ll be working hard on moving day, it\u2019s a great chance to talk while you do it. If you can find some time to work alongside your kids and really talk to them, do it. \u00a0You can also make great memories by snapping some family photos. \u00a0Be sure to submit them to us so you can become #uhaulfamous<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Be Smart with Your Moving Playlist<\/h3>\n

Music is some\"kids\"thing that can truly
\nbrighten someone\u2019s mood, even in less-than-thrilling situations. As parents, it\u2019s important to create the right tone for your move\u2014and a killer playlist is a way to do it! So what should
\nyou play? Well, there isn\u2019t just one playlist that works for every family. Try to come to a consensus based on\u00a0what both you and your children listen to. Of course, steer clear of bluesy ballads and stick to upbeat, energetic tunes. If you have kids who are a bit older, you can even ask them to put together the playlist\u2014a task they\u2019ll feel useful for. Whether you bond over pop, rock or country, music creates permanent memories that your kids will treasure for years to come.<\/p>\n

Tip<\/b>: Music never gets old. Do this throughout every phase of the moving process (packing, loading, driving, unloading, unpacking). \u00a0Check out some playlist ideas here<\/a> if you get stuck.<\/p>\n

Assign Them Tasks<\/h3>\n

Kids enjoy feeling useful. When it comes to moving day, giving them small jobs will keep them busy\u2014not to mention give them less time to complain about the move. If you have little ones, have fun with it and appoint them as your \u201cassistant(s)\u201d for the day. They can do simple things like packing less fragile items (their own toys for example) or helping to label<\/a> boxes. If they\u2019re\"box older, be clear with what you\u2019d like them to do and give them some space to do it. Since a teen\u2019s room is usually his or her sanctuary, they\u2019ll probably enjoy handling their own belongings. Kids of all ages will feel accomplished with what they\u2019ve done, and feel like their work was truly needed.<\/p>\n

Tip: <\/b>Giving your child a checklist (even if the tasks are simple) is an easy way to make them feel more official. You can hand them out individually or make a large chart splitting up everyone\u2019s responsibilities. Either way, your kids will be able to see their progress while helping you feel more organized.<\/p>\n

Say \u201cThank You\u201d<\/h3>\n

Moving is a time when your kids may feel temporarily neglected. Though you don\u2019t intend for them to feel this way, it happens. You\u2019re swamped with packing, financial stress, equipment rentals, and countless other details. To keep your little (or big) one in the moving spirit, let them know their help is truly appreciated. Hearing you say, \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t have been able to get this done without you\u201d will make all the difference in the world to them. Even celebrating their little victories is another way to acknowledge their effort, such as when they finish packing a box or assist another family member.<\/p>\n

Here are a few more ways to thank your kids for their help:<\/p>\n