We’ve all heard this said:

“Kids are highly adaptable and do better with change than most adults.”

It’s true — they are incredibly resilient. But that doesn’t mean they don’t feel the weight of big life transitions. And moving? It’s a big one.

We experienced this firsthand during our recent move. Our kids were so excited at first. New rooms to make their own, a different park to explore, the chance to meet new friends. It all sounded like one big adventure — until the boxes came out. That’s when the reality started to settle in. The changes became more tangible, and with it, we noticed a shift. Their behaviour changed, and it’s taken some time to find a new rhythm again.

Now, I’ll be the first to say — I’m not a parenting expert or child psychologist. But I am a mom, and I truly believe it’s our job to recognize those big feelings and guide our kids through them in ways that help them feel safe, secure, and seen.

One small moment that really stood out to me was when we were unpacking boxes and came across The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day. A total classic — and such a gentle way to introduce the idea of change to little ones. That simple story reminded me how helpful books and small rituals can be when preparing kids for what’s to come.

It even sparked an idea — a little package for a young lady I’ve yet to meet, who’s about to make Cochrane her new home. She stayed with Oma while her parents and I searched for the place they’d call theirs. From what I’ve heard, she’s full of sparkle: tea parties, princess dreams, playground adventures, and a love for trips to the post office. So I put together a little something to help her embrace her own Moving Day adventure. Because it’s not just the adults who need a little extra love and support during times of change — it’s our littlest movers, too.

Tips for Moving with Kids (from one parent to another):

Talk about it early and often.
Kids do better when they know what’s coming. Let them ask questions, express fears, and share excitement.
Let them help.
Whether it’s packing a box of their own or choosing a paint colour for their new room, giving them a role helps them feel involved and empowered.
Keep routines (as much as you can).
Bedtime stories, mealtime rituals, or favourite songs during car rides — little consistencies go a long way in creating a sense of stability.
Acknowledge the feelings.
They might act out, withdraw, or bounce between excitement and sadness. All normal. Let them know it’s okay to feel all the things.
Create excitement for what’s next.
New parks, new friends, new adventures — even a new library card. Find things to look forward to together.
Books are your friend.
Stories like The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day, Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move, or Big Ernie’s New Home can be helpful tools for sparking conversations and easing anxiety.

Whether you’re a parent preparing for your next big move, or a friend or family member supporting someone who is — a little empathy, a lot of patience, and a thoughtful book or two can make all the difference.