The stress of moving a family can be overwhelming. Keeping your kids entertained so that you can focus on packing, cleaning, and moving is no easy task but here are five simple games they can play to reduce your stress.
Scavenger Hunt
All you need for a successful scavenger hunt is paper, pencil, and imagination. When creating the scavenger hunt list, think creatively. You list can include insects, plants, places, shapes, colors, or numbers for your kids to find. If your children are old enough to use a camera, you can make a list of poses they need to do together and take a picture of to show you later. The benefit of a scavenger hunt is that you can create lists that will get your kids out of the house so they aren't underfoot while you're trying to move. They will enjoy checking items off the list and you can make new lists throughout the day if needed. Alternatively, you can create a scavenger hunt for their things so they can help with packing.
I Spy
This old classic name never fails to entertain. You start the game by one player spotting an object and saying, “I spy with my little eye something that is…” The other player then tries to guess what that person sees. You can play this game with your kids while you pack or during the moving process. It can go on for as long as you need to keep your child entertained.
Alphabet Game
Beginning with the letter A, look for items that start with letters of the alphabet until you've gotten to Z. You can play this inside your home while you pack, outside in your neighborhood while your belongings are moved, or while on the road as you drive to your new home. This helps kids recognize letters and keeps them thinking while you have a chance to work or drive.
20 Questions
For this game, one person decides on an object, person, or place and the other tries to guess what it is by asking yes or no questions. If you have more than one child, they can play the game together. You can also play this game with your kids while you pack or while driving. They will be focused on asking the right questions and will love keeping you in the dark on the object they are thinking about.
How Do We Get There?
This is a fun game for older kids. You will need a map or atlas for your child. Pick a city on the map and then give your kids the assignment of planning how they would get there and where they would like to stop along the way. They can make a list of towns they will pass through and calculate how many miles they will have to travel. They'll get practice using a map and can get creative in the routes they choose. Your kids will stay focused for a long time with this game because it requires extra thinking and planning. It may also get them excited for their move to a new location.
Entertain Through the Move
Of course, hiring a moving company like Wheaton World Wide Moving can help lower your stress levels during a move, but having overly excited or worried children who get in the way during this time can be a frustrating problem. Playing games is a great way to keep your children focused during a move. You'll be less stressed because they'll be engaged and you can concentrate on moving.