Moving with a 2 and 1/2 Year Old

Hi D.,
We moved when my son was two and it was very tough on the little guy. He was afraid to leave home for the first month- just desperately clinging to familiarity. I know your son sleeping with you is not a habit you want to encourage, but you may really need to comfort him and and show him a little extra time, love, and security during your transition. We found that the change really effected our little guy- but since he didn't know how to express it- it came out in insecurities and mood swings- and things like not wanting to go to sleep. Good luck.

my suggestion is making sure he gets enough excercise during the day. being in a small space and different environment can make it hard to get out and about. going on walks, short hikes, playing ball, playgrounds are the best.

We had to do the same thing when we moved cause our home wasn't ready. Fortunately, my son was only about 7mos so he stayed in his pack-n-play in the room and my husband and I slept on the sofa bed in the living room. I have to agree that with a 2 yr old you want to make sure he is exposed to some playtime during the day to get all that energy out so he is tired enough at nighttime. However, if you give in and let him stay with you temporarily just know that you will be working double-time to break the habit once you get into your new home. It will be harder, but not impossible.
Best wishes~

Moving can be very difficult for some children. I moved from AK to the lower 48 when my oldest was 2 1/2 and besides the fact we were stressed, which kids pick up on, it was very difficult for him to see all he knew in the world changing before he was ready. At that age they are very attached to their "things"- this is mine, that is mommy's, etc.
Try finding a consistent routine every day, not just at night. Chances are he needs to know what is going to happen, he can't process the "uncertainty" that he is living with right now. I had to let my child know what was going to happen next all the time (when you finish lunch... when you wake up in the morning we will...)

If you can find something that will really wear him out so he is so tired he curls up and falls asleep at night, that might help. Also, he can understand things that you say in simple terms, so don't be afraid to say, "Mommy knows moving is hard. It's hard for me, too, but we will soon be in our new home... maybe talk about what AK will be like (lots of snow, northern lights, you will see moose and eagles all the time, etc.) Make it an adventure! After you acknowledge how he feels, let him tell you or cry or whatever, then change the focus.

And give lots of hugs- not sure if he craves that kind of tactile affection or needs to have a stuffed animal he can punch, every child is different. But I wouldn't make bedtime a battle. Until things get to "normal" which may take a few months after you move, you have to be extra-understanding and try to look at your child's behavior as a sign of what he needs. Hope there is something in this that helps you.

I hated travelling with my son for this reason at that age. You jsut have to stick to your guns that he is to be in his bed. Something that we did if we could was make a tent or build up pillows so he could not see what we were doing or the TV, if we were watching. Unfortunately, he was usually up as late as we were if we were in a hotel, no matter what we tried. As for sleeping in your bed, you just have to keep putting him back. Does he have a special bear of something he likes to sleep with. If so, you might try telling him the bear is only allowed in his bed and would be very lonely if he were to come to your bed without the bear. I empathize with you doing it for 2 weeks. That's a bear. I hope you get to move soon and get over this!

This is a very stressful time for your children. Unusual surroundings; his things are not all around him, new bed, and picks up on any stress that mom and dad may have.
This is a temporary place of residency. If I were in your shoes, I would just roll with the punches. Let him sleep with you. The transitional stage that you are in will be easier on every body.
Briefly explain to him that while you are staying at hotel he can sleep with you, but when you move into new home and his bed arrives , he will sleep in his own bed again. Keep in mind that the transition to the new home may be stressful to your little one as well. Be patient , new habits are usually reestablished in 2 weeks.
Take Care, Heidi

D.,

If it were me, I'd just go with it and let him sleep with me and then work on getting him back in his own bed after you've moved. I'm sure all of this is very stressful for him.

T.