When to give the kids their first look at your new Idaho home...

  So, you’ve done it.  You’ve purchased Idaho property and you’re so excited to move into your new home. 

You and your family are about to embark on a new chapter life, one that will change everything from here on out.  It’s exciting.  It’s challenging.  It’s invigorating.  It’s a big change…a change that you’re going to need to share with your kids.

But…when?

No matter what kind of home you’ve found or which Idaho community you’ve purchased in, the prospect of a new home is sure to bring up some mixed feelings for your family.  Emotions will be high.  Your children may be excited, even eager at the prospect of a bigger house, their own rooms, a yard to play in, and maybe even a pool!  But then again, moving is stressful, and it can bring up changes that they may not like.  Will they have to change schools?  Move further from their friends?  Give up the neighborhood they are accustomed to?  What changes can they expect?  What will remain constant?

The key to maintaining a calm, stress-free family dynamic when it comes to purchasing a new home and then moving into it revolves around one thing:  timing.  It will ultimately be up to you and your spouse to find the perfect timing to share the change with your kids and show them your new home, but before you decide several factors need to be considered: What are your children’s ages?  How much change have they had to deal with in the past?  How content are they at school?  How many adjustments will this move require?  If it’s just a move down the street or within the same neighborhood or school district, chances are that the news will evoke minimal responses—possibly they’ll even excitedly anticipate the change.  However, if the changes will be much more involved, such as moving to another part of Idaho, or, even more so, moving from another state to Idaho, you will need to choose your timing carefully.  Make sure to present everything—the positive aspects of moving along with potentially negative ones—so they are fully prepared for the adjustment.  Encourage your children by helping them see how this move will improve their lives.  Allow them liberal input on the new house’s decor, especially in their own rooms. Help them get to know the new area better as well, so they which of their favorite activities are close-by, and what new ones they will get to try in their new home.

If your children feel involved and understand that they are an important piece of the moving puzzle, your venture into your Idaho dream home will be smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable for everyone.