Big Ernie's New Home: A Story for Children Who Are Moving

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One morning, Little Henry said to Big Ernie, "It's time to put our toys in boxes. Today we're moving to a new home."

New home? How could this be home? The colors were all different. The smells were all different. And everything felt different too. There wasn't even a sidewalk for Big Ernie's paws to pad along.

He was mad and sad and scared. But little by little, he began to notice things that were familiar and comforting. And then he began to notice exciting new adventures all around him. Big Ernie started to feel better. A lot better.

For young children, moving to a new home presents a unique set of challenges. While older children grasp the concept of permanent change, preschoolers may not until they have been in their new surroundings for several days or weeks. They experience a move on a very sensory level, reacting to changes in sights, smells, sounds, and climate. And while they may not be leaving a school or friends, they are leaving a familiar community and routines that must be rebuilt in their new environment.

Big Ernie’s New Home gently affirms the normal sadness, anger, and anxiety that young children feel after a move. And as Big Ernie gradually discovers familiar comforts and exciting adventures in his new home, young readers may be encouraged to do the same in theirs.

In an extensive Note to Parents, Dr. Jane Annunziata discusses the feelings that young children face when moving and offers a wealth of suggestions for smoothing their adjustment.