You could call me the professional relocate-r. I have moved so many times while growing up and as an adult, I know the drill. I know how to research movers, determine which boxes to self-pack and how to pack them, catalog everything and what to do first when we land in our new zip code.
When our son was completing first grade, we were packing up to move half-way across the country. We wanted him to have the least amount of angst as possible. He was not the type to hurl himself into an adventure and thrived on structure and anticipated order, so I knew we needed to be careful. This was a huge change in every way for the entire family.
First, we prepared him in advance. We had family chats, showed him maps and helped him pre-pack some boxes from his bedroom.
Next, I asked his teacher if I could come to school and share a special story. I wrote and illustrated a story using his classmates as characters, and described the big move their friend was about to experience. A bunch of delighted 6-year olds loved the story I read and the snacks I brought along. They loved seeing how I had drawn them and what I had them say.
Finally, I brought a very large T-shirt and fabric markers along. I asked the class, teachers and office staff to sign the shirt.
Our son loved everything about the careful attention, and wore that T-shirt as a sleep shirt for years.
I didn't know we still had it until the other night when I saw this faded example of my mama-love in the laundry. What was once nearly a gown is now pretty much a monkey shirt on our 9-foot son. How sweet that it's still around as a reminder to all of us about a little boy who was surrounded by love and support during the first big transition in his life.
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