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Moving is hard; there's no way around it. To put it bluntly - it's utter mayhem. Adults fear it, the kids fear it, and not a soul is spared of anticipation and anxiety. The truth is, it's not just a house; it's home: our home, our memories, our past, everything. Waving the soothing familiarity goodbye takes a toll on us, whether we're willing to process the subliminal information or prefer to ignore the elephant in the room. Our space matters; that's a fact. As adults, we enjoy the benefit of understanding why the moving part is happening; we get to experience a thrill, a sense of joy when starting anew. Kids are different. You're pulling the rug from under their feet the very moment you approach them with a final decision. And it's only understandable. Let's dig a bit deeper. Here are six tips for helping your kids adapt after a move.

Why being present matters

It's not just the aftermath we need to worry about; the moving process requires us to be ever ready and present as parents. Why? Our kids rely on us; we are their superheroes. From a child's perspective, it's their parent's duty to always keep them safe from harm. You only get to be a kid once; trauma-free childhood (and the moving process is known for causing stress in youngsters) is something we should be able to provide as parents, as the lack of it may cause emotional damage if left unattended.

How to help your kids adapt after a move

Parental mindfulness is critical. Packing, relocating, sorting the boxes, adjusting to a new space, neighborhood, town, or even state - everything is chaos. With all the pending and ongoing turmoil, we can easily get disoriented and overwhelmed; even if the underlayer screams pure joy, we can't hear it. How do we help the little ones adjust to quantum leaps they have no control over?

1. Pre-paving

See things from their perspective; better yet, ask yourself as an adult - do I enjoy earth-shattering surprises? How would I handle them? Open communication with loved ones is crucial for successful adaptation, no matter the change. We need a pair of velvet ears and a warm embrace on stand-by. Let them talk. And listen. Do not minorize their fears and concerns; they are as real to them as our daily pre-sleep rumination is to us. It's frightening. Offer them a healthy outlet by acknowledging and accepting their thoughts and feelings. If you're dealing with an adolescent (they're not really keen on talking, are they), encourage them to speak with their friends or a counselor.

2. Do a sneak peek

Who's up for a field trip? It's all about positive associations; they create a feel-good narrative and are an excellent tool for gradually accepting new stimuli. We all fear the unknown, so get your kids acquainted with their new neighborhood before the moving day. Make the field trip fun but also informative. Take them for a tour around your new property, stroll down your new neighborhood (preferably with a popsicle!), and finally organize a fun activity. Getting them excited about their future life is extremely important. Also, be mindful - our kids are like sponges; they tend to mimic our feelings. Big smile mode: ON. If you're enjoying it, they'll catch it. Your child learns through your behavior.

3. You've got the power, love

One of the best tips for helping your kids adapt after a move is to let them participate and call the shots. Surely, you will not hire your 10-year-old to be your interior designer but handing over a portion of the reins will mean the world to them. We all have an innate need for control when the comet of unexpectedness hits our orbit. Give it to them, no matter how small the shots. Let them pick the color for their new room. Maybe get that Labradoodle puppy you've been negotiating for two years now. Don't go overboard. Just humor them enough so they can have a sense of control over their beautiful, young lives.

4. The routine keeps it lean

Every child has a routine. Adults usually involuntarily frown upon being predictable; we've matured enough to thrive in erratic circumstances. Our kids need us to be predictable and somewhat boring. It's their only safety net, especially when their lives are being turned upside down. So, we re-introduce routine the moment we move into our new home (easy on adding changes and new stimuli!). Consistency is key - bath time, bedtime stories, snuggles, family dinner. Do your best, even if you haven't assembled your new dinner table yet, even if there's nothing but an air mattress. Affection and family time are what count.

5. Kids first

Everything else comes second. We want our children to feel safe in a new home. Empty rooms drowning in boxes and orchestrated chaos are stress enough for our little ones; their stuff gets unpacked first. Setting up their room is our primary and only imperative; everything else can and will wait. The easiest way to soothe your child is to recreate a familiar setting - their old bed, favorite toys, and night light waiting for them.

Choosing a residential moving company, you trust will ensure your Toronto relocation goes well. Make sure your movers know where to put each box. It will help you set up your kids' rooms first. When moving, the crew ensures a safe process in the city; you provide a safe environment in the new home.

6. Encourage staying in touch

Cutting off ties with friends, especially abruptly, can be traumatic for our kids. Encourage them to stay in touch in the early adapting stages, as it will make them feel less alone. Set up "zoom" calls, and inspire them to write letters (old school, I know). The more they adapt to their new social environment, the less they will feel the need to cling to old bonds. Still, keeping in touch with their old friends is essential for the transitioning phase. Nourish their social side by setting up a productive space for them.

Final thoughts

Be patient; settling in takes time. Rushing the process will not make your child adapt any quicker or easier. Listening to their needs will suffice. We hope you enjoyed our tips for helping your kids adapt after a move. Good luck!

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Author: Jassica Mendez

Ontario is a gorgeous province of Canada, perhaps best known as the home of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Canada's capital city - Ottawa. It has a breathtaking landscape, excellent schools, vibrant towns with shops, restaurants, bars, and a few pristine beaches. Ontario truly has it all and can be a wonderful place to live. Furthermore, Ontario has a high overall quality of life. Despite being the most populous province in Canada, Ontario has plenty of beautiful outdoor space. This beautiful province strikes an excellent mix between city living and rural countryside. So, if you plan on moving to this province, you'll make the best decision in your life. Now, the only dilemma is which city to move to. To help you with this decision, we curated a list of the seven best places in Ontario for families with kids.

Toronto

Without question, Toronto will continue to be one of the greatest and most desirable cities in Ontario for anyone seeking peace of mind. This city's location is fantastic, and its multicultural scenery is outstanding.

The city of Toronto has a thriving economy that guarantees that every home lives in comfort. There are museums, art galleries, cultural activities, divine restaurants, breathtaking greenery, some of the best schools in Canada, and many opportunities for outdoor activities. Therefore, this bustling city is brimming with opportunities on every corner for both parents and children.

While the cost of living is quite expensive in Toronto, the economy and standards are so high that families can easily manage. So, if you like the busy city living with endless opportunities, the best education system, and beautiful landscapes, Toronto is definitely one of the best places in Ontario for families with kids.

Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada's capital and one of the greatest locations to live in Ontario. The structures and museums in Ottawa demonstrate that the province is rich in history. Additionally, this city offers several hidden jewels, such as Parliament Hill and Victorian architecture.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Ottawa is a great place to live for families with kids. Despite being one of the most crowded provinces in Canada, it also offers many tranquil neighborhoods. 

Furthermore, the lovely city of Ottawa has a variety of festivals all year round. With its excellent and pleasant weather, your chances of enjoying various outdoor activities every day are incredibly high.

Moreover, the city offers assured healthcare services, inexpensive living costs, booming job markets, a low crime rate, and a highly secure ambiance ideal for creating and growing a family. All in all, it's a big city with small-town charm and ambiance.

Waterloo

Waterloo is an excellent alternative if you have your heart set on Toronto but can't afford to live there. It's close to the city and has a more affordable cost of living. So, you can lead a more comfortable life and still be close to Toronto!

In addition, Waterloo is one of the best places in Ontario for families with kids because it offers endless job opportunities, some of the best schools in Canada, and, as we already said, inexpensive life with the high overall quality. Compared to Toronto, living in Waterloo implies having the same average wage or salary but spending way less, allowing you to save for retirement and go on incredible family vacations.

In addition, Waterloo houses numerous IT companies which give you great job opportunities and educational ones for your children. All in all, Waterloo is like a smaller and more affordable Toronto. So, if that's something you're looking for, you might have just found your forever home!

Thunder Bay

Many people value a specific location's lifestyle because it provides stability, career opportunities, and a low cost of living. If this describes you and you want to live somewhere with an outdoor lifestyle, Thunder Bay is the perfect place for you and your family. 

It is the largest city in the northwestern area of Ontario, adjacent to Lake Superior. Because Thunder Bay is located beside a freshwater lake, you and your family will have lots of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities together. Hiking, fishing, and hunting are possible activities to enjoy in the area.

However, it's not just the numerous activities and breathtaking scenery that make this the ideal location to live in. The affordable housing also makes it one of the best places in Ontario for families with kids. This allows you to have a big family home with a large backyard, home office, and other fantastic features.

Oakville

If you're looking for charm and serenity, Oakville is one of the few communities in southern Ontario that can provide it. Oakville is a suburb of Toronto with a range of recreational sites and outdoor areas for children.

This charming community is situated on the picturesque Lake Ontario Waterfront, which provides its residents with a picturesque view. The town is also well-known and recognized for its sporting culture. Some of the most popular sports that have taken over the town include hockey, canoeing, skating, lacrosse, and soccer.

Oakville offers various restaurants, the cost of living is more than affordable, the crime rate is low, and it's close to the best schools in the country. What more can a family wish for?

Cobourg

This is another excellent place in Ontario for families with kids. Cobourg is a little town surrounded by a gorgeous setting full of greenery and fresh smells. 

The population of this tranquil town is around 20,000. However, the number increases during the summer because Cobourg is the best place in Ontario to purchase a cottage. In other words, this small town is one of Canada's most popular touristic spots. Therefore, summers here are pretty lively, and you can enjoy a perfectly tranquil life with your family during the off-season.

The cost of living here is relatively low, the crime rate is low, unemployment has been well addressed, and the weather is ideal for raising a happy family!

Stratford

Stratford is well-known for its fantastic yearly festivals and is home to worldwide Canadian pop artist Justin Bieber.

Each year, a separate region of Stratford stages a variety of magnificent Shakespeare plays as part of their annual Stratford Festival. It's fun for the whole family! 

In essence, Stratford has an estimated population of around 32,700 people, the weather is pleasant, the unemployment rate is 5.6 percent, and the crime rate has been significantly reduced. All this and more make the town one of the best places in Ontario for families with kids.

Moving to Ontario

Once you choose your forever city in Ontario, you'll have to organize your cross-Canada relocation with kids. To be completely honest, this process won't be easy, so prepare for the long ride and many bumps on the road. To avoid any bigger problems, talk to your kids about this process and get them excited about the new life.

Don't forget to prepare them for the trip as well. We suggest getting a book or something that will keep your kids entertained on the road. In addition, hire a trustworthy moving company to help you get to your new home trouble-free.

Conclusion

As you can see, Ontario offers many beautiful places full of opportunities. You can choose between the big-city hustle and the small-town charm. You won't miss two things in any of these places: numerous job opportunities and an excellent education system. These seven best places in Ontario for families with kids are every family's dream. Therefore, the choice is yours! One thing is sure - you won't be disappointed no matter what choice you make.

Photo used:

https://unsplash.com/photos/DSxIjXSxjTI

Meta Description: Do you want to move to Ontario but can't decide on a city? Read this article and learn about the 7 best places in Ontario for families with kids.

Author: John Willson

The parent's entire universe revolves around their child. They are a centre of gravity, love, hope, desires and eternity for their parents. Parents want their children to flourish, nourish and explore the world through their skills, abilities and built-in capabilities. This is only possible when the child curiosity and desire to investigate things grow. Parents need to keep these needs in mind. Only we can nourish our children by teaching them to develop a good spirit and a hunger for knowledge. So you love the best for your kids, right? The best products for the best one. I strongly recommend that you try the products from Sweet Dreamers. They have the cutest variety of stuff for your toddler. And, of course, there are some fantastic books that would be of benefit to your child's capabilities and nourish their thinking.

The Toddler Brain:

Written by Laura A. Jana, the book aims to nourish your child's brain. It seeks to nurture and teach them the skills today that will benefit them and shape the child's future. The Toddler Brain aids the parents with perceiving the association that exists between their nurturing ways of behaving and their kid's capacity to attain the abilities. Dr Jana investigates the significance of play and interest, creative minds, and decisively fortifying youngsters' brain associations in their initial five years.

The Whole-Brain Child:

The book's author, Daniel J. Siegel, a neuropsychiatrist, and a co-author Tina Payne have beautifully explained the twelve essential strategies for the nurturance of the child's mind. The authors introduce how a child's mind forms and develops. In small kids, the right cerebrum and its feelings are governed by the rationale of the left mind. You can turn any eruption, contention, or dread into an opportunity to coordinate your kid's cerebrum and encourage fundamental development by applying these strategies. Read the book, and you will get to know how these techniques work.

The How To Talk Series:

A more prominent name but the most significant aspect as well. The author Adele Faber has magnificently explained the facts and figures of the listening capabilities. The toddlers learn from their parents' behaviours and their speaking capabilities. They speak what they listen to and act how their parents behave. This book has some extraordinary coping strategies and methods and innovative ideas to deal with your child's negative feelings, parents' expressions, and alternatives for punishing the children (that would not damage their learning skills). The book is a must-read and a complete guide for the parents to nourish their children intellectually.

Raising Good Humans:

The most natural and the nearer to God, children, have been discussed in this book. The author, Hunter Clarke Fields, and co-author, Carla Naumburg, have explained with in-depth clarity and precision and have devised the techniques and abilities to deal with the child's behaviour and how to raise them in the best way. In Raising Good Humans, you will hunt down the exquisite and robust techniques to break free from the responsive nurturing propensities and raise kind, agreeable, and confident children.

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids:

As clearly evident from the name, this book deals with the strategies for the children and the parents to teach them the spirit of dealing with coping strategies. The book's author Dr Laura speaks for the soothing parents, that if a parent stops yelling at their children, the children will learn this and apply the same with the others. If a parent screams and does not allow their child express their feelings, there will be a lack of connection between parent and child, which is potentially traumatic for the both of them. I strongly recommend that parents try to foster good rapport and relationship with their child. Cultivating enthusiastic associations with your youngster makes genuine and enduring change. There won't be any need to undermine, bother, argue, pay off, or even rebuff a child whenever a parent has an indispensable association with the child.

Written by John Willson

Providing children with the proper development is crucial for their growth. After all, this will be a direct factor in deciding how their personality will develop. Proper development ensures that children become responsible adults who can make it out in the world. For this, getting the appropriate education and learning is essential. Going to school certainly helps, but it may not always be enough. Other experiences and activities are needed to help children in their development process. 

One such activity is reading books. 

Reading is a beautiful way of fueling children's development. It can help them cultivate essential skills that can help them greatly in the future. But how exactly are books and reading responsible for a child's growth? We will discuss exactly that in this article. Without further delay, let's dive in. 

1. Improves vocabulary and English

Books tend to have a wide variety of vocabulary used that your children will likely be unfamiliar with. Reading opens up your child to a wide variety of works that can help improve English vocabulary. When they see these words being incorporated into sentences, they can better understand how to use them. Eventually, they can include these words into their vocabulary and speech. Later on, they can move on to learning harder English words as they go through various reading levels. 

2. Improves brain power

Reading presents many new words to children, which can be challenging for them. As they read and begin to comprehend these words, their brain slowly begins to adjust and expand to the challenge. In a sense, their brain is getting exercise which helps improve its brainpower. Enhanced vocabulary use from reading also improves language skills, which can be an essential skill later on. Typically, academics require language skills, especially at the higher stages. Reading can help enhance brain development which can be effective for academics. 

3. Helps build character

Books tend to present children with stories about different situations and people. Such situations could be those that they may likely face in their life later on. Reading these stories can help develop valuable social and emotional skills that can help build their character and personality. For example, consider a book about a protagonist put into difficult situations. The protagonist is put into a position where he has to steal but doesn't, regardless of his circumstances. This can teach a child that they should always uphold good morals no matter how difficult the circumstances are. It can be invaluable for helping them develop a good character. 

4. Provides assurance

Growing up can be a distressing experience for children. After all, the world is an unfamiliar place, and it is only natural that it will make them anxious. They will undoubtedly be met with difficult situations and may not know how to react to them. By reading books, they can find relatable characters and situations that can help them feel assured and understood. It can help them feel less anxious about their conditions, fuelling acceptance for unfamiliar situations. This can be an invaluable development for children once they grow up and face real-life situations. 

5. Improves imagination

Like stories and novels, books typically do not contain pictures, and everything described is done primarily through words. This means that anyone reading is required to visually imagine the descriptions within their minds. This can be an excellent exercise for the mind that helps foster visual imagery and comprehension. Imagination may seem like a useless skill to some people, but most of the world's greatest inventions were based on creativity and visualization. Therefore, books can help develop children's imagination which can help them later in life. 

Wrapping up

Children's development is an essential process that dictates how their personalities and character will evolve. There are various ways to do so, and one such way is through reading books. Reading books can help children's growth in a variety of ways. It helps improve their English vocabulary, their brainpower and their imagination. It also helps them build character by presenting them with various new situations. It can also provide them with assurance by showing them relatable stories and characters to help them feel understood.

Thank you for reading! We hope this article has been insightful and recommend you encourage your children to read books.

 Written by Jason Kenner

There is no magic wand for creating healthy kids. It takes work and discipline, often your own, to parent children in a way that encourages them to make healthy choices.

If you're wondering what you can do now to help your kids grow up to be physically, mentally, and emotionally strong, Canada Personalized Gifts shares some tips.

Encourage Life-Long Learning

Being healthy is more than just eating fruits and vegetables. It's a whole-self process that includes the mind and personal development. In fact, lifelong learning is considered by some experts to be an indispensable tool in reaching your full potential.

Children look up to their parents and closely watch what they are doing, and as PsychCentral explains, they're likely to model the behaviours that they see at home. As such, you can encourage them to pursue personal growth and lifelong learning by doing so yourself. If there is something you've always wanted to do but have been afraid to try, show your kids that you're willing to take risks and go after it.

Also, look for ways to encourage your child to continue learning. As an example, Canada Personalized Gifts offers a number of great books that incorporate your child’s name into the story — this is a fantastic way to get them to explore the benefits of reading.

Help Them Find an Outlet

Too much stress can affect a person's health, no matter their age. You can help your children with good stress-reduction habits by assisting them in finding an outlet. For some children, that may be a team sport or a creative hobby, such as painting or drawing. For others, individual sports like martial arts can be a great way to blow off steam and learn focus and self-discipline. Plus, it’s a chance to learn self-defense skills, which could come in handy at any stage in life.

Quit Smoking

All parents are concerned about their children experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and this is one more area where modeling behaviours is the best thing you can do. Studies cited by The Conversation indicate that when parents use drugs, alcohol and tobacco, their families are more apt to experience insecurities. If you are a smoker, your children are much more likely to pick up this habit as well.

Quitting smoking is essential if you want to break that cycle. While it isn't easy, there are a few things you can do to ensure success:

• Try using quitting aids instead of going cold turkey
• Be prepared for nicotine withdrawal
• Make a list of reasons to quit that you can look at when you have a craving
• Get your family involved

Not only will giving up cigarettes make you healthier, but it will also show your children that you can accomplish hard things.

Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

Good mental health is an essential part of good overall wellbeing. Without it, you may struggle to make healthy decisions and live a full and vibrant life. The best way to help your children build mental resilience is to take charge of your own mental health. Don't be afraid to pursue therapy, and let your children know what you're doing.

If you aren't feeling your best, don't keep your family in the dark. Vulnerability on your part will give your kids the courage to speak up when they're feeling low, too.

Consider also your living environment and how it contributes to any feelings of tension or frustration. If your home is scattered and disorganized, this can manifest in behaviours like lashing out or feeling overwhelmed. Because you and your children deserve a healthy home life, make a point to clean and declutter, add a few plants and some feel-good artwork, and set up an organization system so everyone feels the benefits of order. 

Raising healthy kids takes effort on the parents' part, but it is work worth doing. Remember the importance of living a healthy life yourself and being an example that your children will draw from both now and in the future.

Suggested by Jana Vivien Lopez, a teacher, with reference to a blog we posted some time ago about teaching kids about personal finance.

Jana wrote:

Hello there,

I saw that you mentioned Financial Literacy for kids here:  

https://canadapersonalizedgifts.ca/blogs/sharing-interesting-articles-with-our-customers/teach-your-kids-about-personal-finance

As a teacher that faces technology challenges in education, I find there is a need to educate teachers on what risks kids face online these days.

I want to suggest you share an important guide which came out last month. I found it was very thorough on child safety online: 

https://piggyy.com/blog/education/parent-guide-for-children-financial-education-teach-your-kids-about-money-investing/

I liked the way they summarized each section with actionable items for the teachers.

Thanks for helping protect our kids,

Jani

Written by Jenna Sherman

The best part about vacationing with your family is making all of those wonderful memories. The worst part about planning a family vacation, however, can be figuring out how to keep it fun without your finances taking a hit. To save you the headache, Canada Personalized Gifts shares a few creative ways you can keep your family vacation costs reasonable.

Plan Some Family- and Budget-Friendly Entertainment

When traveling with little ones, keeping them entertained on the road and in hotel rooms can save everyone a lot of stress. One simple and inexpensive entertainment option is a tablet. These can be a great option for kids when it comes to videos, educational apps and even e-books. Be sure to invest in a durable case if you get a tablet, and go ahead and buy an extra charger to ensure your kiddos stay powered up.

Of course, if you prefer to keep travels tech-free, you can also use these tips to keep your kids entertained during trips. If you want to encourage reading, buy your kiddos a handful of books they can enjoy over and over, like personalized books with their favorite character or superhero.

Try to Pack Light

This can be easier said than done when you have little kids in tow, but look for ways to minimize what you pack. For little ones that need a pack-n-play, reach out to see if your hotel or vacation rental will provide one. Try to take a single stroller, preferably a light umbrella stroller, and limit the number of toys. When it comes to suitcases, older kids should be able to easily use a roller suitcase, but make sure whatever you get fits their height.

Save Money and Stress with an All-Inclusive Family Vacation

Family resorts that offer inclusive, affordable fun for kids and adults of all ages can be found stateside and abroad, and they can be a low-stress way to keep your vacation costs down. Although the cost of these resorts may seem a bit high compared to other hotels, it’s important to keep in mind that those prices also include meals, beverages, activities, and entertainment for the duration of your trip. So, instead of factoring those individual costs into your travel budget, you can simply pay one price. Some packages may include airfare, but if not you can use travel apps to find the best prices on plane tickets to get you to your final destination.

Flight tracking apps like Skyscanner make finding and tracking low-cost airfare super simple, while apps like Skiplagged may take some additional visits to help you save money on family travels. Another easy and all-inclusive option for your family vacation is to plan a budget-friendly cruise, the price of which usually covers all of your family’s vacation needs.

Plan Family Trips Outside of Popular Vacation Seasons

Many families miss out on affordable vacation fun because they try to plan their trips for the busiest vacation seasons. If you are trying to save money on your family travel, consider booking your trips during less-busy periods throughout the year. For example, some of the best times to visit Disney World include the fall and winter months, when the weather is actually pretty perfect and parks tend to be less packed with tourists. You may even be able to snag seasonal specials or enjoy special entertainment when you visit theme parks during off-peak months, which will help you make the most of those travel dollars.

You can also cut costs when you travel to national parks during off-peak seasons. For instance, if you travel to the US, hotel prices in towns around the Grand Canyon can be 50 percent cheaper from October to January, so timing can be everything when you are trying to plan a fun family vacation without going over a tight budget.

Family vacations can definitely put a strain on your wallet. However, by thinking outside of the box as you plan your trip, you can ensure everyone has fun without worrying about paying for extra expenses during your travels. Just look for simple ways to save, such as booking all-inclusive options or traveling during off-peak times, and you can take all of the stress out of fitting your family vacation into a limited family budget.

Here is what Greg Smith of RE/MAX ALLIANCE has to say about "How to Design a Home Office with Productivity and Comfort in Mind"

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