Relocation is stressful for anyone who is pulling up the stakes and packing up. It is, however, especially stressful for children because they tend to feel overwhelmed by the lack of control over their lives. ServiceMarket has prepared a list of books and workbooks that will help your children deal better with the stress of relocation.
Bella and Stella Come Home
Author: Anika Denise
Age group: 3 – 5 years
A story of a young girl, Bella, and her stuffed toy turned imaginary friend, Stella, as they move into an unfamiliar home. Most of Bella’s concerns about the new place are voiced by Stella. Illustrations are gentle and humorous and in soft watercolors.
The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day
Author: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Age group: 4 – 7 years
A cute and simple story about a family of bears who are moving to a new community. Brother Bear is really sad about moving to the new treehouse but everything works out in the end.
Henry and Mudge and Annie’s Good Move
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Age group: 5 – 7 years
The story is about a young girl Annie who is so nervous about going to a new school that she breaks out in blotches. Henry, her new neighbor and his dog, Mudge, help her cope with her overwhelming feelings.
Alexander, Who’s Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to move
Author: Judith Viorst
Age group: 5 – 8 years
Alexander has to move to a new place, but is quite adamant that he won’t. He thinks of a number of impractical ways he could stay behind to be with his best friend, favorite babysitter and soccer team. The black and white illustrations enhance the humour.
A House for Hermit Crab
Author: Eric Carle
Age group: 5 – 8 years
Who wouldn’t want to read about a crab that overgrows his current shell and has to move into a new one? The beautiful illustrations follow his journey as he sets about decorating his new shell. The book has meaningful messages about kindness and respect for others.
My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A Workbook for Children Moving to a New Home
Author: Lori Attanasio Woodring
Age group: 5 – 11 years
The workbook has numerous activities for kids to help cope them with moving. Some activities provide kids a chance to express their feelings, while others make them realize the positive aspects of moving. A must have for any parent who wants to help their child deal with the stress in a healthy way.
The Essential Moving Guided Journal for Pre-teens: All About Me, All About My Move Diary
Author: Sara Elizabeth Boehm
Age group: 9 – 12 years
The journal contains tips from other pre-teens who have gone through the same stressful situation, prompts for a pre-teen to express his/her thoughts and feelings about the transition and activities that are sure to relieve stress.
The Essential Moving Guided Journal for Teens: My Life and My Thoughts Before and After Moving Journal
Author: Sara Elizabeth Boehm
Age group: 13 – 18 years
The journal contains useful writing prompts that will make your teenager recognize his/her emotions and feelings about moving and help him/her cope with them.
If your children aren’t into reading books yet, you can use these 5 reasons to encourage your child to read in this great post by Mumzworld. And while these books are sure to be helpful, but one of the best ways to make your children more comfortable with the idea of moving is to be less stressed yourself. So put on a brave face for your kids, prepare a moving checklist and hire a professional relocation company in Dubai to help you with your move.
If you try to do everything yourself, you are sure to feel overwhelmed and children easily pick up the negative emotions in an environment. ServiceMarket has made things easy for you: you can get free quotes from FIDI accredited international moving companies in Dubai by just filling in a few details about your move.
