2 Books To Help Your Child Move House
I don’t think you can miss on the blog that we moved house last week. It’s something that my son, in particular, has struggled to come to terms with. We’ve had quite a few tears and on the day we exchanged and I explained to him it meant that we were definitely moving he wholeheartedly sobbed. Leaving the house you have always known is not an easy thing when you are 5.
One thing I always think helps with children when they have something they are trying to process or understand is books. So as soon as we exchanged I hit that dangerous one-click button and purchased my children a book each about moving.
We’re actually only moving around the corner, so there are no major changes like new schools etc but even so, it’s a daunting and overwhelming concept for a young child. These are the two books I purchased for my children and they definitely helped them understand what was going to happen. We read them multiple times and with my son, I noticed when he started getting worried about the move, he would get one of the books out and sit down and look through them.
Usborne First Experiences Moving House – Illustrated by Steven Cartwright
I think this book is probably my favourite of the two books. The whole process of moving is explained in simple and easy terms for a child to understand. From the people who are buying your house coming to measure it, the new house being painted before they move in, the process of packing and the removal van, unpacking and moving into new bedrooms and finally meeting the neighbours and the first night in their new rooms.
The thing I liked about this book was its simplicity actually. It was clear, the drawings fun and explanatory and it was definitely the book both of my children sat down and flicked through the most, asking questions about what we were going to do and how did different types of furniture get out of the house. A really great book to help children understand the process of moving.
The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day – Stan and Jan Berenstain
This book is a little more in depth than the first and I gave it to my son who is the oldest of my children. It has more insight into the emotions around moving. Why Mama and Papa Bear decided to move house, how they very much liked their old house, but there were things that they wanted that made them want to move. It also talks about packing and removal vans. But what it touches on that the Usborne First Experiences book doesn’t is moving away from your friends and how you can write and visit even if you are moving to a new area. It talks about how their new house is a good house and that it was an even better house after Mama and Papa had properly fixed it up.
It’s another lovely book about moving house that helps children to understand the why as well as the how of moving. Another great book to help children when you are moving house.
These look like lovely books. We moved house when my eldest was just 21 months so she was young enough to take it in her stride, and we’re not likely to move again for a while but I’m bearing these books in mind in case that changes!! It must be such a big thing for slightly older children, I’m sure these books could help a lot of children adjust to their new home. #KLTR
I Think stories are such a good way to help children through new experiences and to get them to talk about their feelings. Thank you for sharing ? #KLTR
What a great idea and something that would make the transition a little easier. xx
We moved house when my little one was only seven months. I can only say she loved it as she got her own room and finally managed to settle and sleep through the night (happy mum)
I hope we get to stay in this house for a long time.
Now, to get to the books – they look like good reading time for the little ones. Will definitely look for them and have lovely story time with the munchkin
Books are such a great way to help kids with changes. We love the usborne first experiences books. The other book looks great too. #kltr
There really is a book for every occasion isn’t there? Hope the move has gone smoothly and your son is a bit more settled now. We love the Usborne First Experiences series, I’ve used the dentist one with my boy (3) who has to go a lot and it has really helped. #KCACOLS
Sorry #KLTR
It’s fantastic that there are children’s books for all matter of things. I do hope your little ones grow to love their new house as much as the old one. #KLTR
This is really cool. I love how you found ways to extend your children’s experiences into learning. I am a huge fan of books which can help a child with a new experience. The bear one sounds great especially as it talks about emotions. Thanks for sharing Laura.