So, as many of you know we recently moved. With a 3-year-old, 1-year-old also being 9 months pregnant. You could say everyone’s emotions were heightened.
I knew it was would be a big transition for the girls moving into a new home. They have only ever lived in one place.
Here are ways that I tried to help make their transition with moving as easy as I could.
Preparing them is first. Emma who is 3 years old I’m mainly talking about in this post. I told her that we are going to buy a new house. I showed her photos off Zillow of the new home. Explained what the rooms would be, etc. She seemed interested and excited but I knew she really didn’t comprehend what I was talking about. It’s okay. Do this anyways. It’s better than completely blindsiding them.
Driving by your new house (if it’s close enough). Familiarize them with the new property as much as you can. Talk about new stores you will go to, new parks and playgrounds, etc.
Involve them with packing up your home. Yes, I completely understand this can be a setback when you’re packing up. But, it’s good to involve them in the process as much as you can. Especially their toys, room, anything that’s more specific to them. This helps with them being confused and thinking “where’d all my toys go, why is mom/dad packing everything up”?. Involving them will help them become more receptive to moving and not resentful. Toddlers are a lot smarter than we think and oftentimes do not get enough credit.
Talk to them. Ask them what they are feeling in regards to the move. Do not place emotions in them that you wish to see. Ex. “Are you so excited about moving”?! Instead say “what do you think about moving into a new home”?. It’s okay if they say they don’t want to. Most people do not like change. Toddlers are the same. They are comfortable and we are disrupting their safe zone. It’s important to keep that in mind.
Continue to involve them throughout the whole process. Especially when it comes to moving day. Have them say goodbye to the old house. Yeah, 9 months pregnant….That was hard to hold back the tears.
Expect to see changes in their personality. Emma (3-year-old) acted out and talked back a lot. She cried over things that she would have never cried about. What I did when this happened. I let her cry. I did not tell her “it’s okay”. They know it’s different and not their normal. Hence, they do not “feel okay”. Acknowledge their feelings. Say you understand this is different, that they seem to miss the old home, change takes time to adjust to, etc”. With Isabella (1-year-old). She was SUPER clingy. She would not let me put her down and cried a lot more than she typically would. At that age, you focus on their needs. Which was to stop unpacking her and holding her. giving her extra attention and snuggles.
Keep their routine. That’s the one thing that can remain the same!
Give yourself grace.
Give them time.
Things will get better. Each day will get easier.
You got this!