Greetings Readers! This next blog has been provided to us by Mighty Mom’s what approaches parents can use during moving. Here’s what you can learn: 

Moving homes can be a significant upheaval for any family, mainly when it involves a child with a disability. The transition can stir up a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, and ensuring that the process is smooth and tailored to their needs is paramount. 

This article, courtesy of the CARE Coalition, explores practical strategies for seamlessly adapting to a new environment for children with disabilities.

Craft a personalized moving book tailored to your child’s needs to alleviate moving anxiety. This book should feature photographs of your current residence and the new home, blending the familiar with the latest to spark excitement. It can also include simple stories that explain the reasons behind the move and what to expect, helping demystify the process. 

Allowing your child to engage in its creation and add their drawings or notes will give them a sense of control and involvement in the transition.

Visual aids such as calendars and charts are essential tools to help your child with disabilities grasp the concept of moving. Mark important dates on a calendar and use countdowns to visually track the days until the move, making the abstract more concrete. 

By visually laying out the steps of the move, such as when to pack or when movers will arrive, your child can follow along and feel less overwhelmed.

Utilizing a home maintenance and repair app can streamline the preparation of your new home. The app provides an expert overview of home repair services that help you pinpoint and address necessary repairs. With the right app, you can effortlessly schedule service appointments and monitor the progress of each repair. 

These apps also connect you with skilled service professionals, allowing you to obtain quotes for any needed maintenance or repair work. This setup guarantees that your home will be safe and customized to your child’s needs upon moving in.

Maintaining familiar routines is crucial for children with disabilities to feel stable during a move. Try to keep daily activities consistent, even amid the chaos of packing and relocating. 

If typical routines are disrupted, recreate them as closely as possible in the new environment to maintain a sense of normalcy. This will help minimize stress and provide your child with predictability during the transition.

Prepare a “sensory survival kit” containing your child’s favorite comfort items to help manage sensory challenges during the move. Include items like a weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys that provide familiar sensory feedback. 

Ensure this kit is easily accessible throughout the moving and unpacking to offer immediate comfort during potentially overwhelming moments. Keeping these essentials on hand can significantly ease your child’s stress on moving days.

Give your child ample time to adjust to their new environment without rushing them, especially if they suffer from anxiety. Focus initially on arranging the spaces they frequent most, gradually introducing them to other areas of the home. Allowing your child to explore and become accustomed at their own pace can reduce anxiety and make the new environment feel safe. This patient approach acknowledges their need to adapt on their terms, promoting a more natural and reassuring transition.

Navigating a move with a child who has special needs requires thoughtful preparation and sensitivity to their unique challenges. The strategies outlined aim to provide comfort, familiarity, and stability during this pivotal time. 

The CARE Coalition aims to empower and support the youth of our communities. If you have a question about the programs available, contact us today.