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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

6 year old doesn't want to move- but it might be for the best?

203 replies

neeedingsomesunshine · 06/02/2026 13:12

Me and DH are thinking of moving to my family's home country (to help with my mum who's a bit poorly, and generally because we would like to be nearer them, not really because we want to. We love it where we are right now).

It's on paper a lovely country, very outdoorsey, better weather, my son spends lots of time there. We brought up the idea of moving there permanently (at the moment we spend about 3 months a year there- long story, I can make it work with work). However he hated the idea- he made it clear that he likes to visit but absolutely doesn't want to move there. He loves his school and has many friends so I do feel terrible taking him away from this. However, my question is - how much do children this age actually understand this? Is it really possible he's so settled already that he doesn't want to leave? Any experiences with this?

AIBU- stay for your son's sake
YANBU- move now

OP posts:
rubyslippers · 06/02/2026 13:15

A 6 year old doesn’t need to be asked his opionion
He’s not a decision maker
You can involve him in exciting plans to move and manage his feelings which is a different thing
this age would be much easier than a teen and before secondary school

zurigo · 06/02/2026 13:15

He's only six, you are the adults, you get to choose. Will he get over it? Well, who knows? Some DC are very adaptable and others are very stubborn, but six-year-olds aren't the best judge of what is best for them or the rest of the family. We moved house (from a crappy rental that had endless maintenance issues) to our own home (much nicer!) when our DS was six. He didn't want to move, stated that he would miss the curtains in his room (which were horrible!). He's now 18 and we laugh at how ridiculous he was being.

Elderlycatparent002 · 06/02/2026 13:13

I would advise not dithering. Most 6 yr olds will settle well if moved. But if you wait it’s much harder for them.