Reassurance to Prepare for a Move

I have been looking forward to the next adventure for my family for quite some time.  I have purposefully withheld certain parenting milestones (i.e. teaching my preschooler to potty train), knowing there is a significant and statistical likelihood he will regress in those accomplishments when we move.

I have even written about M’s excitement about the impending move.

I am obviously apprehensive, not knowing where we will live, the support system and structure in our new home, or who I will meet.  However, I failed completely to remember, as excited as M may be, he is also going to naturally be apprehensive.

A couple weeks ago, M started going through a list of who, and what, would be making the move with us.  He listed off names of friends, some of whom are making their own moves to other states.  He also asked about the dogs, and at one point, even sobbed that he didn’t, “want the dogs to die.”  That fear, while present in him, was a complete surprise to me.  Had I not been merging onto the freeway when he relayed that fear, I would have pulled over and met his gaze while reassuring him the dogs were going to make the move alive.

Then, this morning, as I came downstairs for the day, I was met with, “Do they have kitchens in [our next state]?”

“Of course they have kitchens!”

“Do they have food in [state]?”

“Yes, sir, they do.  They have lots of food you like.”

“Do they have restaurants?”

“Oh, boy, do they have restaurants!”

My husband, tried to make light of the fears, and wanted to let M know that, while there were restaurants, there were no McDonalds.  However, I quickly stopped my husband from uttering anything of that sentiment, since I am pretty sure the lighthearted nature would backfire, and we would have a majorly anxious child on our hands.

So far, we have reassured M that:

~His red chair and tables will make the move;

~His toys will make the move – well, most of them;

~His sister and his dogs will make the move;

~There are kitchens, food, and restaurants in our next city;

~There will be swimming opportunities available;

~His toy horse, named “Strawberry,” will move with us.

I am recognizing that, as big of a trooper as my preschooler may be about this move, he has some obvious apprehension.  Even on days he isn’t discussing his fears, he is most likely thinking of them, the same way I am ruminating on my concerns and worries.

This time, this adjustment isn’t, “all about me.”  Instead, this will be a move where my strength and positive outlook will be paramount in setting the stage for our children, to tackle not just this move, but our subsequent moves.

I could focus on how daunting a task this feels, and yet I am calmed by remembering, “through God, all things are possible.”  And, I need to draw upon God’s strength, to ensure I provide my children with the optimum example to thrive during this move.