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We're going to be moving at the end of the month and by then, our daughter will be just a week shy of 18 months of age. I'm wondering if we should ask her Godparents to take her for the weekend that we move or if we should include her in the move. Without her around, things will undoubtedly go a lot smoother and her routine won't be interrupted (she stays with her Godparents once a month and has a small playgroup up there, so that's something she's used to at this point). The downside I see to this is that she'll come home expecting one thing - her home and her room - and find a totally new home and room. So, if we included her in the process, would that make the transition for her easier or will it not much matter either way? Thanks!”

Asked by Phe on 8th September 2009 | 3 replies

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3 replies so far...

Lylah, I think that may be the best way to go. Fortunately, we're moving to a place where the landlords are also friends, an old Italian couple she calls "Nana" and "Bapa". They live on the first floor. So, while the apartment itself will be new to her, the place will not.

Cricket - We're moving in just after the old tenants leave, so we won't really have the opportunity to show her the empty place. But, like I said to Lylah, she is familiar with the home. The landlords are on the first floor and she knows them well.

From a safety perspective alone, we don't want her there on M-Day. We live in the city and, if worst came to worst, she could just hang out with her Nana and Bapa downstairs while we were moving in, but yes - the chaos and keeping track of her would really be a full time task if she were present so that's sort of why we don't want her to be there on that day.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Phe on 14th September 2009
maybe spend some time in the new home, empty, before everything is moved in, have her help with some of her packing. pack a special bag for everything that she will want right away, lovies, books, toys she will miss, pajamas, blanket that way she has it all right with her. but I dont really see a need for her to be ther while the moving is going on, the chaos, the noise, the disorganization, safety. maybe you could show her pictures while she is at her god parents of the new things going on and have them talk about how special it will be and exicting. oh and set her room up first of course.

on a side note, i figure you wouldnt have her around the day that you moved but it is pretty close to our hearts in this part of the county. a family was moving and a toddler wondered off and they presummed he fell in a nearby creek. very sad story that we all hope could be avoided in the future.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by cricket on 11th September 2009
Is there a way to split the difference? Include her in the early part -- packing up the toys she doesn't use most often, or maybe her winter clothes -- and explain when she comes back from her Godparents' home she'll help you put her things away in her new room?

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Lylah M. Alphonse on 10th September 2009