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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 2, 2008 - 19 Making moving easier for your family You've just announced that you're moving to anew city and are met with blank faces followed by a variety of reactions. You knew the news was not going to be easy to accept, but just how do you turn uncertainty into enthusiasm? From toddler to teenager, moving is not easy on young people. Here are some suggestions to make the transition a little smoother. Moving in an emotional experience at any age but it can be particularly unnerving for children. Often, they feel the decision is thrust upon them and that they have no control over their lives. An adult is better able to understand how a career opportunity or a more practical living arrangement will benefit the family overall. Even in extreme situations where adults are unsure about a decision to move, they are able to rationalize, weigh pros and cons and accept it as the right action to take. Children, in some cases, are unable to see any personal benefit in the decision to leave their home, school and friends. To overcome the unsettling impact of a move, try to encourage open communication and family discussion on the issue. Although the decision to move has been made, allowing children to express displeasure and complain will ease the feeling that they have had little say in the matter. These discussions will also afford you the opportunity to combat any anxiety your children might have, while generating excitement for the move. Talking and sharing are especially important for preparing younger children whose concerns may easily be set right when you find out what they are. For example, small children may not understand the difference between leaving curtains and light fixtures behind versus leaving their most precious toy. Remind your children about the familiar items that will move with them such as their bed and toys. Some parents find it helpful to establish a regular block of time each day to ask their children questions and talk about their concerns on issues such as school life, teams and music lessons. As life becomes increasingly hectic approaching moving day you may appreciate the organization of a daily family meeting and it will provide you with another element of your children's regular routine that can be continued in your new home. Involve children in the planning, packing and the move itself. Ask them to make a list of their important belongings, identify what colour they want their new room painted and how they would like to arrange their furniture. Your kids will be happier if they feel like they are making decisions too. Try drawing a floor plan of your new home and spend an evening deciding how your existing furniture will be arranged. This activity encourages the feeling that their "home" is coming with them, not being left behind. Make contacts in your new neighbourhood and check the Internet, local newspaper and community centre for the availability of your children's favourite activities. Maintaining the extra-curricular activities your youngsters are accustomed to such as scouts, t-ball or karate lessons will FRANCES WEDLAKE About Your Home help children to adjust. Remember enthusiasm is contagious. Talk about all the great features your new neighbourhood has to offer. The zoo, water slide park and roller rink right down the street can make a child forget their worries in a hurry. Discover an activity that would be of particular interest to each of your children. Most important - talk! Once you have arrived in your new home, ask them about the walk to their new school, new friends, teachers, what they miss about their old neighbourhood and anything in between. Although moving always includes a few bumps in the road, following these simple tips might help ease the transition. Frances Wedlake is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. She can be reached at 905-845-4267. Visit her website at www.franceswedlake.com. What happens on closing day? Closing day is the day you become the official owner of your home. Typically, you visit your lawyer's office to review and sign documents relating to the mortgage, the property you are buying, the ownership of the property, and the conditions of the purchase. Your lawyer will also ask you to bring a certified cheque to cover the closing costs and any other outstanding costs. Once the mortgage and the deed for the property are officially recorded, you become the official owner of the property and your lawyer will call you to pick up the keys to your new home. Congratulations! You've just bought a home! Provided by www.royallepage.ca FRANCES WEDLAKE* KEN WEDLAKE* 416.543.8385 TOP 1% IN CANADA LIFETIME TOLL FREE 905.845.4267 1.888.645.4267 905.339.7773 *SALES REPRESENTATIVE $205,500/$1350/mth $239,500 MILLER REAL ESTATE LTD. Brokerage (905) 845-9180 jbocchinfuso@cogeco.ca CENTURY 21 CANADA CENTURION AWARD & MASTERS AWARD WINNER Sales Representative Bright 2 Bdrm, 2 Bath, of over 1200 sq. 3 Bedroom, 1.2 Baths, two balconies overlook ravine. Skylight brightens living area. N/E Oakville ft. Great Location! Great Amenities! Great Security! convenience. $379,900 $399,900 BARGAIN ON RAVINE `THE SOVEREIGN II' JERRY BOCCHINFUSO $389,900 MOVE RIGHT IN! Bright and spacious freehold 2 year old home. Hardwood floors on main level! Open concept kitchen/breakfast area and main floor family room has gas fireplace with stone mantel. Large master with walk-in closet and ensuite with soaker tub and separate shower. CUSTOM RENOVATION Dynamic one floor plan! Luxurious Master suite. Gourmet Kitchen open to Living area. Private garden w/inground pool.. $399,900 RIGHT IN BRONTE! Large, mature lot on quiet street - walk to shops, schools. 3 Bdrms, 2 Baths (updated), hrdwd. Sep entrance to lower level. $659,500 $434,500 CUTE BUNGALOW ON APPROX. 1-1/3 ACRE LOT! 2 bedroom bungalow with loads of potential. Live in while you renovate or build new. Garage/barn that is waiting your imagination. In an area where many million dollar homes are being built. Don't judge a book by its cover! Must see to appreciate land value! $239,900 SOLD More Buyers... ... Call to List! A g location! Many recent updates: Kitchen, Executive home in N/E Burlington on quiet great Bathrooms, hardwood. Mn Flr Bedrm and Cres. Bright,open plan with soaring celings f mi family room. Extra deep garage. A SPECIAL PACKAGE! MILLCROFT PARK and windows. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED