Helping Little Ones Through Big Changes: Preparing Your Toddler or Preschooler for a Move
Life brings many changes, but few are as significant—and potentially stressful—as moving houses or transitioning to a new school. For toddlers and preschoolers, these changes can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are plenty of ways parents and caregivers can ease the transition and help their young children adjust to a new environment. Below are some tried-and-true strategies from all of us at Common Ground Childcare to help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Start Talking Early and Keep It Positive
Introduce the idea of moving well in advance. Young children need time to process big changes. Share positive, simple stories about new homes, neighborhoods, or classrooms so they can visualize the fun aspects.
Use simple language: “We’re going to live in a new house,” “We’ll have a new playground to explore,” or “You’ll have a new classroom with new friends.”
Highlight the fun: Talk about how exciting it will be to decorate their new room or play with new classmates.
2. Invite Them Into the Process
Kids feel more comfortable when they have a say—no matter how small—in decisions that affect them. Let them help in age-appropriate ways:
Packing: Encourage them to place their favorite toys in boxes. This helps them understand what’s happening and offers a sense of control.
Decorating Ideas: Ask how they want to set up their new bedroom. A toddler might choose a favorite blanket for their new bed, while a preschooler might pick out a poster or piece of artwork.
3. Create a Sense of Continuity
Familiar items bridge old routines to new places. Think favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or even familiar bedding. Bring these along to create a comforting and recognizable environment:
Keep routines consistent: If you normally have story time before bed, try to keep that routine going before, during, and after the move.
Use comfort objects: A favorite stuffed toy or blanket can ease anxiety, especially in an unfamiliar setting like a new bedroom or school.
4. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Change—no matter how exciting—can bring uncertainty and anxiety for young children. Normalize and validate their emotions:
Listen actively: When they share worries (“I miss my old room” or “I want my old teacher”), let them know it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or nervous.
Reassure them: Remind them that, while it’s hard to say goodbye to things we love, new friends and experiences can be wonderful too.
5. Visit the New Environment Ahead of Time
If possible, take a short tour of the new house or new childcare facility/classroom:
Meet teachers or neighbors: Seeing friendly faces and familiar spaces in advance can help children feel more comfortable when the big day comes.
Practice the route: If moving to a new school, drive or walk the path together. This can help reduce those first-day jitters and give them a sense of familiarity.
6. Read Books About Moving or New Experiences
Children’s books have a way of making scary or complicated situations feel more relatable. Check your local library or online resources for age-appropriate titles about moving or going to a new school.
Below are four wonderful picture books that can help preschoolers navigate the experience of moving to a new home. Each story addresses the emotions and excitement surrounding a big transition, using age-appropriate language and engaging illustrations:
“The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
In this classic story, the Bear family prepares to move from their little house in the woods to the famous tree house they eventually call home. Young readers witness Brother Bear’s worries and excitement, which helps normalize any mixed feelings your child might be having.
“Big Ernie’s New Home: A Story for Young Children Who Are Moving” by Teresa Martin
Ideal for preschoolers, this gentle story features a cat named Big Ernie who feels uneasy about leaving his familiar surroundings. With simple text and reassuring themes, the book shows children that it’s natural to miss the old house while also discovering fun aspects of the new one.
“A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle
While not specifically about human moving, this story offers a wonderful metaphor for change. Hermit Crab outgrows his shell and must find a new one, decorating it along the way to make it feel more like “home.” Eric Carle’s vibrant illustrations help children see that with creativity and time, a new place can become a perfect fit.
“Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move” by Judith Viorst
Although Alexander might be slightly older than a preschooler, the book’s humor and expressive illustrations resonate with children of various ages. Alexander stubbornly refuses to move, fretting over losing friends and familiar places. By the end, he learns that moving can bring new adventures and friendships, too.
Reading these stories together—and talking about the characters’ worries and triumphs—can help your preschooler feel understood and reassured during the moving process. Each book provides a different perspective and can spark conversations about saying goodbye to the old and embracing the new.
Storytime discussions: After reading, talk about the characters’ feelings and experiences. Ask, “How do you think they felt when they moved?” or “What do you think is fun about having a new classroom?”
7. Maintain Open Communication
Keep the conversation going before, during, and after the move. Ask your child how they’re feeling and encourage them to ask questions:
Check in frequently: Whether it’s at dinner or before bedtime, ask how your child is feeling about the upcoming change.
Answer honestly: If you don’t know the answer to a question (e.g., “What color will my new classroom be?”), reassure them that you’ll find out together.
8. Involve Siblings or Friends
If your child has siblings or friends who’ve gone through a move before, encourage them to share their experiences. Sometimes, hearing from another child can make the transition feel less intimidating.
Playdates: If you have the opportunity, arrange a playdate in the new neighborhood or school playground so your child has a chance to explore in a fun, low-pressure setting.
9. Establish a Transitional Object or Ritual
A “transitional object” is something that helps children feel safe when they’re apart from a familiar place or person.
Photo album: Put together a small book of pictures of the old home, friends, or classroom. They can flip through it when they feel nostalgic.
Daily ‘goodbye/hello’ ritual: Before leaving the old place, say a special goodbye (“Goodbye, old room, thank you for all the fun!”). Then, upon arrival at the new place, say a hello ritual (“Hello, new room, we can’t wait for new adventures!”).
10. Give Them Time to Adjust
Even if you do everything “right,” kids may still need time to adjust. Be patient and keep offering reassurance:
New routines take time: It can take weeks—or even months—for a child to fully feel at home in a new space.
Celebrate the small steps: Each day they seem more comfortable, offer praise: “You were so brave at school today!” or “I’m proud of how you helped unpack your toys!”
Final Thoughts
Transitions—especially moves—can be stressful for children, but with the right preparation, you can help make the experience exciting and positive. By talking openly, acknowledging their feelings, and maintaining comforting routines, you’ll show your toddler or preschooler that while changes can be challenging, they’re also opportunities for new adventures.
Here at Common Ground Childcare, we understand the importance of supporting families during big life transitions. If you have any questions about preparing your child for a move or need additional resources, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way!
If you found this helpful, be sure to share it with other parents or caregivers going through similar transitions. Together, we can help our little ones feel safe, loved, and excited for what’s to come.
