MOVING HOME
Mum’s story
“Mary-Louise was 2 when we moved,” says Alison Collins, 28, from Hampshire, mum to Mary-Louise, 3, Sophie, 21 months and Bonnie, 10 months. “Before moving we showed her the new home, and when we packed, we gave her a box to put her toys in. She was first into the new house and we let her choose her room and what colour she wanted it painted. Soon after moving, my husband (who’s in the armed forces) was sent abroad and Mary-Louise was convinced he was at our old house, so we went there so she could see the house was empty.”
Expert view
“Giving Mary-Louise a box turned packing into a game,” says parenting expert, Christine Meadows. “Alison got her daughter excited about the new house, which helped with the transition. Letting her choose a room and its colour will also have helped her see the move as something positive.
“It’s natural to focus on sorting out the new house immediately following a move, but try not to break from routines. The house may be different, but routines don’t have to be. Also, try to find time for fun activities, like visiting the local playground or swimming pool. It’s inevitable that a young child will miss her old house and friends. If you can visit or write to friends, it can make her feel more settled.”
