7 Picture Books for Children Moving to a New Home

by Janssen Bradshaw

Photo credit: LWA/Dann Tardif, Blend Images/ Getty Images

My oldest daughter is five-and-a-half, and we’ve moved five times since her birth, most of them since her third birthday.

Over time I’ve learned that the faster I put together their bedroom, the happier they are — I set up their bed and alarm clock and hang a few shirts in their closet right away, so they feel more at home. Then we return to their normal routine that first night: pajamas, teeth brushing, a bedtime song, and reading as a family.

Having that same routine, even if they’re in an unfamiliar space, seems to give them a lot of reassurance that their life hasn’t changed too much, even if the walls around them have.

I’ve also noticed my children tend to resist liking anything about the new place at first, and it’s better for me not to push them to talk about how much they like it, or compare it to the old one. It’s amazing how quickly children adapt, but they may not want to feel forced to embrace a new place, and want a little space to mourn and miss their old home.

Of course, a few picture books go a long way to opening a discussion and helping them know what to expect before the big moving day. Here are a few to help broach the topic:

Has your family ever moved to a new town or city? What helped your little ones get through the process? Share in the comments section below!