Moving

As a person who moved just last month, I know that moving is a hard process both physically and mentally. Moves just down the street or to a nearby town are equally as difficult and tiring as moves across the country. I’ve done both in the last two years and it was and still is hectic trying to adjust to new surroundings and new routines. What makes a move many times more difficult is moving with children. Children need routines and familiar surroundings much more than adults do. Having a cozy surrounding with familiar toys and the same routine throughout the move is a great at helping children adapt to their new surroundings. You can also help your child adapt more quickly by reading books or watching DVDs about moving and new places before, during, and after the move:

Picture Books:

Lauren’s Moving Day by Sarah, Duchess of York

Even though Lauren is excited about her family's new house and having her own bedroom for the first time, she is anxious about the move and worried about changes. Includes ten hints for parents to help children move to a new home.

The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day by Stan Berenstain

The Bear family decides it is time to move to a larger house.

Big Ernie’s New Home by Teresa Martin

A cat named Big Ernie wakes up one day to find his boy, Little Henry, packing boxes and preparing them for a move from the big city to Sante Fe, Arizona. Big Ernie is confused, misses familiar smells and weather, and feels sad. With gentle assurances and understanding from Little Henry and by engaging in familiar routines, Big Ernie learns to deal with being worried, mad, and a little sad about being uprooted and moved. He begins to feel at home in his new house, and soon he is ready for any new adventure.

Chapter Books:

Jack Adrift: Fourth Grade without A Clue by Jack Gantos

When his father rejoins the Navy and moves the family to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, ten-year-old Jack becomes confused by a crush on his teacher, contradictory advice from his parents, and a very strange neighbor.

Piper Reed, Navy Brat by Kimberly Willis Holt

Piper is sad about leaving her home and friends behind when her father, a Navy aircraft mechanic, is transferred yet again, but with help from her often-annoying sisters and a surprise from their parents, she finds happiness in their new home in Pensacola, Florida.

Moving Day by Meg Cabot

Nine-year-old Allie Finkle has rules for everything and is even writing her own rule book, but her world is turned upside-down when she learns that her family is moving across town, which will mean a new house, school, best friend, and plenty of new rules.

For Parents:

Moving with Kids by Lori Collins Burgan

Thirteen million children in the U.S. each year leave behind familiar people and places to move to new homes across town and across the country. Moving can be hard for parents too, as they not must not only prepare themselves but also help their children cope with the changes. In Moving with Kids, social worker and mother of three Lori Collins Burgan offers 25 practical, action-oriented tips for parents before, during, and after a move.

DVDs:

Berenstain Bears Always Look on the Bright Side

Let’s Get A Move On!