Several house moves ...tips for a sensitive toddler ??

[Lemontree118]

I’m moving house twice in the next 6 months, having just moved 6 months ago (long story, buying a new build which isn’t ready and landlady selling house we live in etc.) The last house move really seemed to upset my 2.5 year old at the time, he wouldn’t go anywhere in the new house without me, really clingy, upset being dropped at nursery etc.

I’ve had a new baby since then so lots of changes for him in addition. I’m so worried about messing him up again with these next 2 moves ..especially since he seems to really like the house we are in now. I’m worried he won’t feel stable anywhere.

Any tips about how to make it easier for him?? He’s just turned three now and a v sensitive little soul.

My 3 year old has a soft blanket he loves, will settle most places if we have that. Also he will be getting better at communicating all the time, watch the episode when topsy and Tim move house or a book so he knows what is going on.

Maybe try something like getting him to pick out special wall stickers for his new room. He can chose them and put them up with help. Makes the room more his and special if that makes sense.

Another idea would be seeing if there is a book about moving house appropriate for his age. A librarian or Google might help. You'd be able to say "Remember Sam the Elephant didn't like his new house at first but then he realised that he had a lovely big room, fun garden and friends at the park". Actually you could just make it up and "read" it to him at bedtime!

I have adopted children and we made a book up of photos of our house, their rooms etc before they came to us. Would something like that be possible so he at least gets to see what the house looks like before you move and it's not so strange when you get there

Thanks for the tips everyone, all really good ideas