So we're moving...

[chattyprincess]

And dd (4.5) is upset, and I really want to help her feel better about it...ya know? We have lived in our current home since she was 17 months old, so she has basically grown up here with the same neighbors, same kids etc. The move is in 1 month, and its only a 5 min drive away from where we currently live so not a huge change but in a big city thats really far! lol.

Any thoughts or ideas for helping her feel better and more secure about this?

[ollyoxenfree]

We always tried to frame a move as an opportunity to make new friends and try new things. We always respected and acknowledged their feelings of loss though. We made sure they had a good opportunity to visit and take photos of important places before they said good-bye. 

You are making a pretty easy move because it will be fairly convenient to stay in contact with her old friends. Can you make a few plans now for things like joining a play group or summer day camp or weekend sport (eg. soccer sign ups are happening now for that age group)? That way she knows she'll see them regularly.  Even making plans for simple playdates or sleepovers will help. At the same time, I'd make plans to find new groups to join in the new neighbourhood, so she will find some new friends. 

If you are going to be decorating, I'd include her in the plans. Let her pick out paint chips, some new pillows, etc. for her new bedroom. Create a little excitement about the move for her.  Maybe the new house has a bigger yard where she can have a garden or more space for a playroom or something else she can focus on and make plans about

Best wishes with the move!