Changing places is difficult

 In the way the world functions today moving for career or personal reasons is inevitable. Studies show that on an average families move at least 3-4 times in a life time. Even for experienced movers, moving is difficult, and if children or pets are involved, the stress and problems are even worse. Children are often disturbed by changes in their home environment and schedule and are reluctant to leave their friends and familiar environment to move to a new place. It is important for you to set aside time to help your kids cope with change and understand that moving is no monster. Most parents plan to move during holidays when the school term has ended. In fact, this makes things more difficult for the kids. Think about it, it is easier to adjust and cope when you are busy and have made a few friends. So, if you move during school term the kids will start at a new school and have plenty of interaction with teachers and classmates. They will also start following a schedule and have no time to brood or think about the changes in their lives. I know moving can be a burden with umpteen things to do but make time to sit down with the kids and explain why the need to move, and what they can look forward to. Instill in them a sense of security and if possible, assign a few responsibilities like maintaining a list for moving, caring for pets, having a going away treat for their friends and so on. Involve the kids in house hunting and finding out stuff about the new city or town where you are moving. If you are moving to a rural area then try and make it seem like an adventure. Add a sense of anticipation and excitement. Plan activities with them a say goodbye to old home, school, neighborhood, and friend activity and a hello to the new home and environment. Help them cope with emotions, uncertainties, and more by asking a favorite aunt or grandparent over to spend time with them, showing them pictures of the new home, allowing them to keep in touch with old friends by quickly hooking up the Internet connection when you arrive into your new home. Let each child decide what to take with them in their hand luggage something special. Maybe a soft toy, an old blanket, a much loved book, or collection of stamps or coins, or base ball cards. Plan a family group night in the new home. Spread out sleeping bags in the large living room and if its winter light a fire, watch movies together, roast marshmallows, sing songs, and exchange hugs. Being with each other and their parents will help settle fluttering stomachs and doubts. Reassure your kids that you will always be there for them, until they settle in; consider taking leave from work, flexi timings, or asking a grandparent to stay with them for a while. Consider aspects of child care and a day care center. If you have small children find out whether your new work place encourages mothers to bring children with them into work. Make the new environment a discovery. Explore the neighborhood together, take them on a tour of the school, local library and y. Go swimming with them, and retrace the route they will take each day. Introduce yourself and the kids to neighbors and invite the kids of your new neighbors over to meet new people. Be a vigilant parent and look out for signs of being upset, bad behavior, nervousness, loss of appetites, bad dreams, frequent bathroom visits at night, demands for attention, or to sleep in with you. If you notice any of these you must take all essential steps to correct matters before they get nasty. Children live in a world quite different from ours so help them with love, understanding, and patience.

It may sound daunting, but travelling with baby does not have to be a nightmare! For a successful trip with your tiny traveler, all you need is a little planning and preparation. There are a few things you absolutely must bring on any trip with your baby. The most important, of course, is enough food and milk for the journey. Always pack more than you think you’ll need and include plenty of finger foods if your baby is old enough — these are great for helping to keep him occupied! If you are breastfeeding and need to express milk, you can store it in a cooler, with ice, for up to 24 hours. Pre-measured powdered formula can be added to bottles and topped up as needed with cooled, boiled water, or you can store bottles of ready-made formula in the same way. Another option is to bring “ready to drink” cartons of formula. Whilst ideal for the journey itself, be aware that you may not be allowed to take these cartons with you into certain countries. Sealed containers of formula do not normally present a problem. Solid foods can be packed into a cooler, although a better idea is to bring foods with you that you can easily prepare during the journey. Avocado pears and bananas are good examples because they can be served to your baby at room temperature after being easily peeled and mashed. Always bring your own feeding bowls and utensils when travelling with baby – many eating establishments do not have cutlery appropriate for an infant’s use. A travel high chair is incredibly useful, too — and means that you can comfortably feed your baby wherever you go. Disposable bibs, or a wipe-clean plastic bib, can be very convenient when travelling and they certainly cut down on the laundry! If you ask for food or milk to be warmed for you, be VERY careful to check the temperature on its return. Busy waiters or cabin crew may overheat the food and you will need to wait for it to cool down. With this in mind, ask for any food or milk to be warmed well before you’re actually going to need it! When traveling with a baby, many parents worry about how to sterilize feeding equipment. There are many products available to assist with this, from microwave steriliser bags to disposable bottle liners. Most stores dealing with infant feeding equipment will offer a range of travelling accessories such as these. Other essential items for your trip will include nappies/diapers and scented diaper bags. Sunscreen is essential if you're going to a warm location! Also, consider bringing a small nightlight – if you’re breastfeeding, it can be very useful in a dark, unfamiliar hotel room. To help your baby cope with the trip and to reassure him in new surroundings, be sure to bring his favourite blanket. This can also be used as a handy "curtain" to protect a sky cot or baby carrier in an airplane from the sun or for naps in the stroller when out and about. Dress your baby in light layers when travelling — not only does this make it easier to cope with fluctuating temperatures, but if your baby spills his food, for example, you can easily remove the top layer of clothing. Bring a change of clothes for yourself, too — baby’s mess tends to have a habit of transferring itself to his parents!