Moving soon I'd love some ideas on how to make it easier for the dc's

[sugartits]

We are moving from one end of the country to the other (almost) in the next couple of months. Our dc's are all excited about the move and yet at the same time worried about it. I'm concerned that once we've been in the new house for a couple of weeks and the excitement at everything being new has passed that they're all going to find it hard. My eldest dd finds it hard to make friends and comes across as shy at first, but isn't really iyswim - she's worried about making friends. We don't know anyone in the area except PIL's who will be half an hour away (that's a whole different thread though). DH's work colleagues are all at the baby stage and our youngest is 8 so we can't think of a way of getting them to meet other children. So instead of just worrying away here, I wondered if anyone might have done something similar and have any advice.

Not sure how I'm going to meet people either, but I can worry about that later.

[bobblehat]

Love the name!!

We did this about 18 months ago when dcs were 6 and 3, so a bit younger than yours.

We found presenting it as a big adventure worked wonders. Invest in webcams, if you haven't got them already, then they can talk to old friends easily.

If they have any interests/clubs they go to find out about these in the area. Try and get them to have a look around the school before they start, that way they'll at least know a bit about the layout and maybe know a few names before they start full time.

Above all, remain positive. There will be a lot of unknowns at this stage, but concentrate on what you do know.

As for you, you may meet people through work. If you don't work (I don't) then find out about local classes, or offer to volunteer in school.

We've done it, no regrets.

Good luck!

[bobblehat]

Also let them know it's ok to be worried and let them talk to you about them

[sugartits]

yes, I was surprised to see this name wasn't taken - am very pleased with it .

Thanks for the ideas, I guess it's all obvious really I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all today. I'll get googling Brownies etc and start planning.

[bobblehat]

Depending on how old your DD is, she might like to go exporing the shopping opportunities with you!!