# Making Moves Fun for Kids: Ottawa's Guide to Happy Relocation
Moving can be stressful, even more so when you have kids. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, a move can become a fun family experience. In Ottawa, whether you're in the bustling neighborhoods of Downtown or the quiet lanes of Blackburn Hamlet, moving doesn't have to be daunting. This guide will help empty nesters, upsizers, and folks going through a divorce make moving with kids an enjoyable adventure.
## Why Moving Matters for Kids
Moving is a big change for everyone, especially youngsters. It's important to remember that this transition can be a chance for kids to learn, grow, and have fun. When kids are involved in the process, they're more likely to feel excited about their new home and less worried about the change.
### Problem: The Stress of Moving
Families often dread moving days. For some, the thought of packing up and unpacking again, along with handling logistic hassles, can feel overwhelming. Kids may feel sad about leaving friends or their current home behind. It can lead to stress and resistance, making the entire experience difficult.
Empty nesters downsizing, upsizers seeking more space, and families dealing with divorce face these emotional and logistical challenges. Add in the kids, and the process can feel pretty heavy.
### Agitate: Real-World Feelings
Imagine you’re packing and your child is upset about leaving their favorite room. It’s easy to understand why such a scenario can be distressing. In Ottawa’s diverse neighborhoods like Vanier or Glebe, each corner holds a special memory. For a child, leaving could feel like losing a piece of themselves.
Kids often don’t have the words to explain their feelings, but those feelings can be intense. If not managed well, it could make them very unhappy or even afraid of change. Having to juggle their feelings with the logistical side of moving can put a strain on parents, as well as impact their own emotions.
### Solution: Making Moving Fun and Involving Kids
Moving doesn’t have to be just packing and leaving. It can be transformed into a family event filled with games, creativity, and fun! Here are several activities and ideas to make moving more enjoyable for your kids:
#### Packing Games
1. Box Decorating Contest: Let the kids grab markers and stickers to decorate their boxes. Not only does this keep them entertained, but decorated boxes also help everyone remember whose stuff is where when unpacking.
2. Treasure Hunt Packing: Place small treats or surprises in certain boxes when packing. Let the kids find these as you go. It makes the job faster because they’re excited to see what’s next.
3. Speedy Sorters: Make sorting toys fun by turning it into a game. Create piles for "keep," "donate," and "trash," with small rewards for sorting quickly and wisely.
4. Packing Puzzle: Turning packing into a game by asking kids to fit items into boxes like Tetris can be both challenging and exciting.
#### Memory and Learning Activities
1. Memory Match Packing: Lay out items for a few seconds and then have the kids remember them when packing. It helps improve concentration and adds a layer of challenge.
2. Storytime About Moving: Read stories about moving to help kids understand and talk about their feelings. Books like "Big Ernie's New Home" offer relatable experiences.
3. Memory Walk: Remind your kids of favorite family moments from each room as you move through your house. Take pictures or draw those memories to make a keepsake.
4. Moving Jar: Let kids collect trinkets during packing. Giving them a jar to cherish their "special items" ensures they feel connected to the new place, bringing those keepsakes safely along.
#### Building Excitement for the New Home
1. Countdown Calendar: Make a calendar and let kids mark off days until the big move with stickers or drawings. It physicalizes the entire experience, making it seem fun, not daunting.
2. Order First-Night Takeout: Once settled, let your kids choose their favorite food to order. It gives them something to look forward to and starts the new chapter with something familiar.
3. Visualize Their New Room: Bring them in to visualize and plan how they want their new room to look. It gives them control and acts as a positive distraction.
#### Setting the Tone with Music and Fun
1. Pack-a-palooza Playlist: Create a playlist and play it loud while everyone packs. A family dance party can make packing much more fun.
2. Guess the Weight: Have a little game where kids guess the weight of each packed box. It keeps them engaged and makes them bond with the process.
#### Celebrating the Transition
1. Pre-Move Goodbye Party: Organize a mini party for family and friends in your old house. It’s a sweet goodbye to a chapter before jumping into a new beginning.
2. Packing Command Center: Provide the kids with a "job," such as organizing packing supplies. It makes them feel like part of the team, ensuring they play an active role.
### Moving With Kids in Ottawa – Fun and Growth
When the day arrives, having a "Kid Zone" with comfy pillows and some favorites can provide them a calm retreat if they need it. This space allows them to decide when they want to step away from the action, offering comfort and a sense of security in an otherwise chaotic, transient time.
### Final Thoughts
Moving in Ottawa can be an exciting adventure with the right approach. Embracing the actions above not only eases transitions for upsizers, people going through divorce, or empty nesters but also makes moving memorable for the little ones. It becomes a remarkable way to bond, grow, and adapt to changes together as a family.
With practical preparation and involvement, moving can become a joyous celebration rather than a dismay. So, whether from Sandy Hill to Elmvale Acres or anywhere in between, get ready to make moving a cherished memory for everyone. Happy moving!