"Greater is our terror of the uknown" Titus Livius. Transitions are often the hardest part of change. It is the unpredictability and fear about how things will turn out that can be most unsettling about any change. For children, this can trigger some feelings of anxiety. As you know, children thrive on routine and structure and may have some trouble when things are less predictable (let's
face it - so do adults!).
It is in this transition that we can learn from our children to live in the moment. As distracted as you may be worrying about the next step, keep in mind that your children are focused on the present. Create as much predictability, routine and familiarity as possible during the transition. Try not to stray too far from your normal eating and sleeping schedules. And more importantaly,
maintain some familiarity during eating and sleeping. You can do this by making sure your child can eat from his favorite plate or by reading the same familiar books at bedtime.
Don't pack everything away. Your child may not understand here her toys and favorite possessions will end up after packing them away in a box (and unfortunately sometimes things get lost or misplaced during a move). Give your child a small backpack or suitcase and let her pick out her lovey and most prized possessions with her to ease the transition and lessen her anxiety.
If you will be staying elsewhere before moving into your new home, bring your child's sheets, blanket and/or pillow with you so he/she has something familiar at bedtime (don't wash them to maintain that familiar scent from your old home - and save you time!). Schedule in time to have fun with your
children, perhaps visiting your new neighborhood before you move in. If you are
unable to spend much time playing, try and spend extra time at mealtimes or
bedtimes so that your child is getting extra attention she will need during this
transition.
And don't forget about yourself! Try and rest, eat well and if possible,
exercise or take some time for yourself. You need as much energy as you can get
(trust me I know from personal experience!)
face it - so do adults!).
It is in this transition that we can learn from our children to live in the moment. As distracted as you may be worrying about the next step, keep in mind that your children are focused on the present. Create as much predictability, routine and familiarity as possible during the transition. Try not to stray too far from your normal eating and sleeping schedules. And more importantaly,
maintain some familiarity during eating and sleeping. You can do this by making sure your child can eat from his favorite plate or by reading the same familiar books at bedtime.
Don't pack everything away. Your child may not understand here her toys and favorite possessions will end up after packing them away in a box (and unfortunately sometimes things get lost or misplaced during a move). Give your child a small backpack or suitcase and let her pick out her lovey and most prized possessions with her to ease the transition and lessen her anxiety.
If you will be staying elsewhere before moving into your new home, bring your child's sheets, blanket and/or pillow with you so he/she has something familiar at bedtime (don't wash them to maintain that familiar scent from your old home - and save you time!). Schedule in time to have fun with your
children, perhaps visiting your new neighborhood before you move in. If you are
unable to spend much time playing, try and spend extra time at mealtimes or
bedtimes so that your child is getting extra attention she will need during this
transition.
And don't forget about yourself! Try and rest, eat well and if possible,
exercise or take some time for yourself. You need as much energy as you can get
(trust me I know from personal experience!)
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