Moving with preschoolers? Here are a few tips to make it easier.

AT THE OLD HOUSE

Prepare your child for the move. Explain what is going to happen. A great resources to use with little ones is the picture books, Mr. Rogers Moving by Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Go to your library or bookstore and find some preschool books on movingread them for appropriateness, then share selected ones with your children. Let them ask questions.

Make moving an adventure. Talk positively about the move. You may not be thrilled about the prospect, but your little one doesnt need your worries. Encourage your daughter or son to be excited about the new house. Select something that will interest her and say it enthusiastically. i.e. Did you know our new apartment has a playground? or Look your new bedroom has lovely blue carpets.

Make it clear to your child that all items being put in boxes are going to the new house. You might want to pack his room last. It can give him a place to play while you work and also may make him feel less fearful. Dont pack his comfort object. Whether its a security blanket or a favorite toy, the item that comforts your child should be out and available. Transitional objects are real important for preschoolers since the environment is changing, says professional counselor Rose Rathbun, MSW.

Sometimes its helpful to provide something new to occupy your child. Has he wanted a new book about his favorite character? Has she been wanting some matchbook cars like her brother has? Or, wait until you get to the new house to give them something. One parent had a special stuffed animal waiting in her childs new bedroom. If your move involves a long car trip or plane ride, you may want to have a variety of small items to entertain your preschooler.

Reassure your child about their friends. Yes, you wont get to see Cody every day, but well visit each other. And hell still be your friend. This may not come up until later. Or at all. But if it does, be encouraging about the new friends, theyll make, too. My oldest daughter has a friend shes not lived near since she was three. Theyve seen each other infrequently over the years, but even at fourteen and fifteen, they still enjoyed getting together.

AT THE NEW HOUSE:

Set up your childs bedroom as soon as possible. Perhaps youll want to orient his crib the same way as in the old bedroom. The new room can be made to feel familiar by putting pictures, mobiles, shelves, toys, etc. in a similar relationship to the bed as in the previous bedroom. Then when he wakens in the morning or opens his eyes after a nap, his surroundings will look less strange. She also may play with her familiar toys while you are busy unpacking in other rooms.

As you unpack, use the empty boxes to your advantage. If youve used professional movers, wardrobe cartons (with the metal bar removed) make fantastic toys. But whatever kind of boxes you have, kids love playing in them. Your child might draw on the cardboard and turn a box into a race car. Or a house. Or a set of boxes may become a city on the moon or a maze of tunnels. Once our girls used a flattened box as a slide on a slope in the lawn. Dont be surprised if its weeks before your children are ready to give up the boxes.

FOR EITHER END OF THE MOVE:

Try to keep routine things as normal as possible. If he always has a nap after lunch, put him down for a nap. If she always has a story read to her before bedtime, have a book available and read it. Dont throw discipline out the window either. Your child needs those comforting limits.

Be sensitive. Is your child extra tired? Does he need a hug? A few minutes on your lap? Some time to herself? You may find your child sticking close to you. Be patient--he needs the reassurance of your presence.

FOR YOU:

Check into available resources. There are a variety of books on moving at your local library or bookstore. Professional movers often include information about moving with children in their packets. Besides a 16 page booklet with tips and advice on moving with children of all ages, one moving company provides an activity and coloring book for younger children.

Dont expect to be settled overnight. Unpacking and finding the right place for everything takes time.

Most importantly, dont worry too much about your children. Preschoolers are flexible. They adjust. Ill never forget the time we moved with a 14 month old and a three year old. The first week in temporary housing, the baby learned to walk and the toddler potty trained herself!

It takes some planning, but there is hope for a smooth move with preschoolers.