Moving house, in terms of stress, comes a close second after the loss of a loved one, and, research shows, that it is more stressful than serious illness, divorce or losing your job!
The decision to move to a new home is a major upheaval for everyone involved. This includes children and it affects them in different ways according to their age, maturity, and the circumstances surrounding the relocation. Their reaction to a move is also largely down to the way we, as parents, handle the whole thing.

As an adult with a list as long as both my arms of things to sort out, such as new schools, catchment areas, transport arrangements, decorating, measuring up for carpets, clearing out junk, finding the kettle, making sure the washing machine doesn’t leak, fixing the toilet, getting the gas fire checked….. (you get the picture) it can be easy to lose sight of the things that matter to a child. The Witchlings cannot be expected to be practical problem solvers. They focus instead, on the losses that a relocation causes. They have had to leave their friends in Sydney, and the lose the familiarity of surroundings that they feel safe and secure in at Grandmera and Grapper’s house. It is important to remember how helpless a child feels when they have to move house. My Witchlings had no say in whether we would re-patriate back to the UK, and had no impact on the decision to move into The Shoebox. So how do we make the move less stressful?
• We gave the Witchlings as much time as possible to get used to the idea of moving.

• We answered all their questions about their new home - And believe me there were LOTS! But we allowed the Witchlings to talk about the move on their own terms. If they wanted to change the subject, we let them.

• The Witchlings have been involved as much as possible in making decisions such as choosing paint colours for their new bedroom, or helping to pick plants for the garden. I have 2 lovely hanging baskets as a result.
• If it’s possible, go and visit the new house a few times before move day so that it is not completely unfamiliar. We weren’t able to do that from the other side of the planet but I would recommend it to you if you are moving a short distance.
• The Witchlings have stuck (as far as possible) to their routine. They need a balanced diet and a good night’s sleep no matter what.
• There has always been a grown up available to listen to their fears or worries and take them seriouslly, whether it has been me, Tobes, Grandmera or Grapper.
• We didn’t promise them a kitten or a bunny or a puppy to get them to accept the move.
• We brought EVERYTHING back with us. We brought their beds, their toys (even some broken ones) and all their other possessions. While we are looking forward to a clean sweep and new things in our new home they represent familiarity and security.

So the Witchlings have been in their new funky bedroom, surrounded by familiar toys and teddies, for a whole weekend now. I’ll keep you posted on how well they settle in. Wish us luck!

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