Moving house with a toddler - do they get confused?

**RedPanda** · 22-01-2008 13:46

I am moving house in a few months (hopefully sooner), and I'm worried that my 18-month-old son will be disoriented. A month after the move, I'll have a baby which will confuse him even more.

For those who have moved with a toddler, how long does it take them to get used to their new surroundings? Or will he just adapt quickly because Mummy and Daddy are still there with him?

**prideNJoy** · 22-01-2008 13:49

Im guessing each child would be different, but when we moved DD had no problems adjusting at all...not a care in the world!
DD would have been 18 months at the time.

ETA: oh and then her little baby brother was born 3 months later, she did well adjusting to that too.

**Tam-I-Am** · 22-01-2008 13:53

My sister moved house a few times when my nephew was little. She always spent quite a lot of time preparing him beforehand, by talking about the new house and what would be there, and that he could take all his toys and games etc, she had a few books about moving house which seemed to help also.

He was unsettled for about a week after each move, but quickly realised that with all his familiar stuff around him and that both his mum and dad were there etc, that this was home - although it looked a little different! On the day of the move, she arranged it so that his room was always first unpacked with all his familiar stuff around him, and didn't pack away his favourite toy. That seemed to help.

I know he's little, but maybe you could try explaining to L that when you go to the new house the new baby will be coming to stay soon after etc....Even if he doesn't understand it all he'll probably get some of it, iykwim.

Hope it all goes smoothly for you guys

**veve** · 22-01-2008 13:54

I would just suggest making the move as positive as possible (make a BIG deal out of their room .. and special things about it) and make sure that on the first night that the really important stuff (comfort things) are definitely on hand ..

we thought that Jack would hvae trouble moving ROOMS - for his new sibling's arrival

but because daddy painted the walls (he STILL remembers that) .. and he had his special bedsheets .. he made the transition well ..

I would also definitely be leaving a light on somewhere for the first few nights- just incase they wake up and freak out with the different noises/ room shapes etc..

**fifipirko** · 22-01-2008 13:55

When I went overseas for 6 weeks I realised it does not matter where we are as long as mummy is there she is fine. Good luck with the move.

**forbetoel** · 22-01-2008 13:56

I honestly think that he will be fine. We don't give kids enough credit, they cope with change a lot better than adults do. Keep things calm and just don't make a big deal out of it. If if he see's that it is not big deal to you, then it won't be to him. As long as mummy is in the house then it is his home.

Hope that makes sense.

**prideNJoy** · 22-01-2008 13:59

Originally Posted by 4boys2love

I honestly think that he will be fine. We don't give kids enough credit, they cope with change a lot better than adults do. Keep things calm and jsut don't make a big deal out of it. If if he see's that it is not big deal to you, then it won't be to him.

Hope that makes sense.

Well said, completely agree.
I know my DD understands everything that we say and what goes on around her. I think it's best not to overdo it, that might just amp them up when it could be a very calm transition.