Moving to a new home can be a big transition for children especially if the move means uprooting them from their school and circle of friends. As a parent, there are plenty of ways to help prepare your kids for a move to ease their fears and concerns. We are here to help make the situation easier for you.
At Atlanta Peach Movers, we understand how much harder it can be for the child to know what is happening. One way to demonstrate the experience of moving and the feelings that go along with it is by reading positive children’s books to them so they can grasp what will be happening.
We have some recommended children’s books (all are available on Amazon) that will successfully answer any of their questions and help your kids deal with any sadness they may feel that comes with moving.
The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan and Jan Berenstain
When Mama and Papa decide to move, Brother Bear must prepare for a relocation from the mountains and into their beloved tree house down the sunny dirt road. Follow along with them as they pack up and say heartfelt goodbyes to friends as they prepare to move. This classic is sure to be a hit with your kids. It’s available here on Amazon.
My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A Workbook for Children Moving to a New Home by Lori Attanasio Woodring
Moving is one of the most stressful life events for kids, but this book will help make it less hectic and more exciting. This workbook is for kids 5-11 years old as it will guide them from worry to wonder. It will walk kids through the entire moving process, including how to understand change, strategies for managing emotions, ways to say goodbye, new adventures, tips for making friends, and more. This book is both helpful and interactive and can be found on Amazon!
Big Ernie’s New Home: A Story for Young Children Who Are Moving by Terese Martin
This book is centered around Big Ernie, a cat who unexpectedly discovers that he and his owner will be moving to Arizona. It affirms the normal sadness, anger, and anxiety kids may feel during a move. This book allows children to recognize that it is OK to have these feelings and offers suggestions for easing into their new adjustment. This book is available on Amazon.
Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move by Judith Viorst, Ray Cruz, and Robin Preiss Glasser
Part of the best-selling series that follows the adventures of young Alexander. This book follows Alexander as he copes with the news of his family’s big move for his dad’s new job. But Alexander doesn’t want to leave his best friend Paul, his babysitter Rachel, or the Baldwins and their dog. Alexander is not going to move and he means it. This book is great for kids who are upset about moving to a new home and will be able to relate to Alexander’s dilemma. You can order this book on Amazon.
The Leaving Morning by Angela Johnson
It’s the day the moving van comes to move a brother and sister from their city apartment to a new home with their family. This involves saying goodbye to shopkeepers, friends, and cousins and watching the men load the moving truck. This book focuses on the difficulty of leaving friends and family along with the subtle undercurrent of excitement. The illustrations depict all the changing emotions of the family from sadness, wistfulness, and happiness. This book is available on Amazon.
A House for a Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
This book isn’t explicitly about moving, but it tells the story of a Hermit Crab who outgrows his shell and must find a new one. Join him as he learns an important lesson about growing up and for every friend and adventure left behind, there are new ones ahead! It explores themes of change, growth, and finding a new home. You can order it here on Amazon.
We Are Moving by Mercer Mayer
Part of the Little Critter series, Mom and Dad tell Little Critter they have exciting news he thinks they are getting a new dog, but instead they are moving to a new house. Little Critter has many questions like what will happen to his sandbox? Or what if the new neighbors are monsters? This book can help spark discussion between parents and children about moving. This book is available on Amazon.
A Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn
Moving is hard on everyone, but especially children. In this story, we follow Chester Racoon, from The Kissing Hand series, as he is faced with another dilemma that many children have to face. He and his family are moving. Readers will see how Chester says goodbye to his old home but learns that there are some exciting aspects about moving. You can purchase this book on Amazon.
The Good-Pie Party by Liz Garton Scanlon and Kady MacDonald Denton
One of the big things children can be the saddest about while moving is leaving their friends behind. This children’s book can help show them how to appropriately deal with those sad emotions. The story is centered around three friends, Posy, Megan, and Mae, but now Post has to move away. Using their favorite activity of baking, they realize they can throw a good-pie party instead of a good-bye party and turn a sad situation into a sweet gathering. This book celebrates good friends, memories, and the joy of the right goodbyes. This book is available on Amazon.
I’m Moving! New House, Same Underwear by Brenda Li
Is moving making your child sad and nervous? This book makes moving fun and helps kids cope with emotions and changes. Watch the funny adventure of what happens when Brian’s boxes of underwear and furniture fell out of the moving truck. He does not want to leave his home, change schools, or lose his friends. This book reassures children that their feelings are valid, teaches ways to keep in touch with old friends, and reminds kids that loved ones will always be the same no matter where they are. This book can be purchased on Amazon.
Remember, reading these books with your child and engaging in a discussion afterward about how they are feeling and some takeaways they have from the book can provide comfort and support during the moving process.
Our mission is to make this process as seamless as possible so you can spend that extra time comforting your kids and enjoying this next phase in your family’s life.
