Hi All!
We're moving to a new place next week and I'd like to keep my 15 month old son as happy as possible through the process. I'm already spending less time focused on him because I'm the main one packing up the house because my boyfriend is at work all day. Any advice and how to keep him from becoming disoriented or uprooted would be great! Also, how to keep him occupied and out of the way while everyone around him works. Thanks!!
Putting him in a playpen is a great idea. I've also read that it helps to set up his bed with his bedding the very first night. If you're traveling and staying in a motel bring his blankets with you. I traveled with my granddaughter when she was around 2 and that helped.
I would definitely keep your son informed with simple words as to what is going on. Kids this age understand a lot more than we give them credit for. You can say things like "mommy is putting your toys in this box so they can go with us to the new house!" or on the day of the move "isn't this exciting?? Now we get to go to our brand new house!!" Make it seem lke the funnest thing ever. He will deal with it a lot better if he knows what's up. You could even say goodbye to the old house once you have everything out.
As for keeping him occupied and happy, there is only so much you can do. People have to move sometimes and the kids just have to deal with it. He will be fine if you have to stick him in a playpen a little more often right now. Once he gets his brand new room he will be so excited and then you can make up for lost time!
When we moved with my son. First we spent a few hours in the new house with out our things. I fixed a lunch and we sat on the floor and eat. I sat in his room with him and asked him where he wanted to put his bed and his favorite toys. I had him help me pack his things in a box with his name on it. I got a sitter to watch him for a few hours. When he came home I had his bed where we had talked about and his toy set up. I did not unpack all his things I had him help me unpack them. He done quite well with the move as well.
Can he climb out of his playpen yet? Those things are great. That way, you can have him out of the way when the chaos begins. Plus he will have toys to play with. I doubt he will want to play with them though. He will be people watching:) Other than that I would recommend a babysitter.
