Make a splash this summer

Buying a new house and planning a move may be as much stress as you think you can handle – but remember that it is likely to be a particularly trying time for your children. According to Gary Wood at Charles L. King & Co First National Real Estate, routines are understandably disrupted in major ways during moving and sensitive planning can help all family members, but especially young children, better cope with the impending changes. “One of the keys with children is to break the news about moving as soon as possible,” Mr Wood said. “Kids need time to get used to the idea of moving, so give them as much advance warning as you can. Provide them with as much information as you can about why the family is moving and what they can expect in their new home and suburb.” In other tips on moving house with children, Mr Wood recommends:

“Although you’ll undoubtedly be going through your range of emotions, the experts say it’s very important to be there so your children can voice the feelings they’re encountering,” Mr Wood said. “Listen to what they have to say and assure them that you understand any concerns.”

Children can have problems adjusting to a move and can blame a parent or parents for causing it. “Don’t take it personally if this happens,” Mr Wood said. “Explain that sometimes big decisions can’t be avoided.”

If the child is old enough, let them help to pack some of their favourite items. It can help them understand that although the family will be in a new home, their belongings will stay with them. Personalise their boxes with labels and stickers.

It’s important to be positive and optimistic because your children’s attitude will largely mirror yours. “But don’t insist everything is going to be wonderful,” Mr Wood suggests. “Even if the new house is fantastic, it may still take time to adjust.”

If you’re moving to a new suburb or town, use maps and other information from your new local council or the Internet to explain where you’ll be living. Explain any differences in weather and geography and talk about any nearby attractions that may be interesting, such as moving closer to the River or to a park.

A child’s world is based on routine and it’s important to try and keep some semblance of normalcy throughout the process. We suggest sticking to a set time for dinner every evening, no matter how chaotic things seem to be, and to regular weekend activities the family enjoys. It may be better to put any further new experiences on hold until you’ve settled in to the new home. Summer time living does not get much better than heading to the Gulpa Creek, which could only be 100m from your new home. The home at 4 Jones St, Mathoura, is priced to sell and would suit those who love a spot of fishing or kicking back and relaxing. Well positioned, the threebedroom brick veneer home has three large bedrooms, all with built-in robes, and a kitchen area which flows out to open spaces of the dining room. Evaporative cooling, split-system heating and cooling and a Heatcharm wood heater keep the home comfortable year round. The children will love the separate garden area with fernery to play and the adults will enjoy a quiet drink under the pergola, which overlooks the 8m sparkling inground pool with solar heating. The family vehicles are well looked after behind the roller door to the double carport, which you can drive through into a fantastic shed and workshop for the handyman. Teenagers will love the granny flat or outdoor rumpus/tv room/ bedroom built into the shed, lined and carpeted with heating and cooling. An extra storage room is under the roofline of the shed behind a roller door. The home is for sale for $225,000 and is open for inspection by appointment. Inquiries to Donna Clarke at Riverside Property Sales, phone 5480 0144 or 0438 004 565.