4 Year Old Trouble with Moving

My son was 3 when we moved into our current house & I was nervous about the transition. We really "talked" up the new place & how special his new bedroom was going to be. Since we were building, we were able to visit often (I don't know if that's a possibility for you) but maybe even driving by or finding a nearby playground would spark some excitement for the new place. Together we picked out new nightlights and other accessories for his new room which seemed to help. Maybe put together a memory photo book at your current house with photos of your son's favorite "things" (outside playing with friends, in his room, etc.)

Best of luck :)

My son is 3 1/2 and we just moved about 6 weeks ago. Luckily the move went really well for us. A few things we did-- 1) we talked about moving to "the big house" and how there would be room for all Brendan's toys and a new swing set to play on. We also talked about how the movers would come with a big truck and take all of the toys to the "big house". At times he was concerned his stuff wouldn't make it over (I tried to pack his stuff last and he was concerned we weren't going to pack it). I let him get involved and help pack and put together boxes. We set up his room first when we got to the new house and together went into the basment playroom and put away all his toys. He did ask a few times to go back to the old house-- but mostly he jumped right in at the new house. The hardest part for them is the no action time- meaning you are talking about doing something but it is not happening. I would limit the amount you talk about the move until a week or so before you actually at going to do it. I don't think they can comprehend the timing of it all.

Good luck. I think you will find everything works itself out quickly once you are in the new house.

Hi R., is the place currently occupied? It would be nice if you could take him to see it and get a tour of it the next time that he talks about it. When you are touring, show him is room, ask him where he wants things, etc, then don't talk about it in front of him. Do you know anybody in the neighborhood, if he could meet someone his age who lives near. Is it the same school district? Maybe the teacher or school could help find someone who lives in the same area and pair them up so he knows a friend will be there. Talk to him about moving to "John's" area. Good luck. I had a child who was nervous about things like this. It is stressful.

Hi, R.. We've been through this with all of the kids at some point, as we've moved a lot over the last 5 years. I'm not sure what your spiritual persuasion is, so forgive me. But, as Christians, we've used times like this a powerful occasion to use prayer and leaning on God for courage and strength. We've all expressed the concerns that we've had and prayed together for God's constant safety and protection, helping us let go of our fears, and putting excitement in our hearts for a cool, new place that will be filled with His blessings. It's been wonderful to see all the children - in very different ways - come to a place of genuine peace and comfort through the family's many changes. I wish you the best with your little one. God bless, B. in Flint

My middle son was almost 3 when we moved and it was an adjustment for him. For about the first month or two, maybe even longer he wanted to sleep near me or he would wake up and come sleep in our room. I believe it just takes time and keep up with the positive reinforcement about moving and keep including him. You could drive by different neighborhoods you are looking to move into and show him the cool new things and show him pics of houses and ask what he likes or what he doesn't like for a new house. It will be a big adjustment for the lil guy, but keep being positive and talking about the fun you will have and maybe out how you can decorate his room differently and how he could help pack his toys and unpack them. Again it takes a little time for them to adjust and some just take longer -- but he will come around, just keeep doing what you are doing and letting him know you will all still be together in a better house. :-)