We all know moving is stressful. Between the movers, packing, unpacking, change of address, new town, new routine – I am getting anxious just typing this post. Both Pam and I made our respective cross country moves last year and it often feels like we are still settling in. What’s important to remember however, is “How does all the craziness associated with a move affect a child?”
Enter Opus, a Golden Retriever happily living in Boston. “Opus is faced with the disruption of boxes, taxis, and a long plane ride taking him away from the things he loves the most – his bear, pizza and his red chair. All of his routine creature comforts are packed away on a large truck and he is left in an empty house.
Opus and the Red Chair helps parents ease the tension and prepare their children for the transition by sharing Opus’ journey though the eyes of a sweet pup. 100% of the net profits of Opus and the Red Chair will benefit the non for profit Animal Cancer Foundation.
Foggy Day Books founder, Alice Koesterich wrote Opus and the Red Chair in loving memory of her dog, Opus, who died of cancer at 5 years of age in May 2006. She teams up with talented illustrator Sara Kahn. Readings and signings are currently taking place in the SF bay area.
WIN IT!
1. Win a signed Opus and the Red Chair book by sharing with us your tips for preparing your child or pet for a move OR a fun moving story with a comment on this post
2. Extra entries are counted by 1) posting on our chat room forum (up to 5) 2) subscribing or commenting that you are a subscriber and 3) blogging about our giveaway
3. The winner will be selected at random by using random.org
4. Contest ends Friday, October 24th, 11:59pm pst
CONTEST CLOSED – Congrats Gina Stratos!
PS: And just because our focus is kid design, here are some fun, modern shelving ideas to host Opus and the Red Chair for when you get into your new home!
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The DwellStudio Junior Elephant Bookshelf at Design Public ($170)
The Cub Stacker by David Netto at modernkid ($300)
Ecotots’ Big Kahuna Bookcase at 2modern ($335)
Elizabeth M.
Friday 24th of October 2008
I'm a subscriber too.
Elizabeth M.
Friday 24th of October 2008
Once when my kids were very young we were moving and sitting on the couch in the living room waiting for the movers to finish up. All the sudden we heard this sound like nails scratching on wood so I looked over by the front door entryway and sitting there looking at us was a squirrel who had wandered inside the house to check it out. We were so stunned to see it there! I stood up and he immediately scampered back out the door. I was grateful he went back outside instead of going further into the house!
Alice Hansen
Thursday 23rd of October 2008
I think a great way to help a child get ready to move is to watch a movie that takes place in the new city or state. That, and read books about the place. This works best I think for slightly older kids. Thanks for the chance!
Jane
Thursday 23rd of October 2008
We moved from Campbell to West San Jose when my oldest son was just 6 months old. It was really a short move, since the cities border each other... you could walk leisurely from where we lived to where we live now in about a half hour. Anyways, my son was learning to roll when we moved so the way he transitioned from his old home into his new home was by rolling his way out of his teeny townhome into his new "BIG" family room. He could make about 8-10 rolls across the small living room floor of our townhouse. When we moved into the new home, the first thing he did was plop down in the family room and roll across from the fireplace room into the family room. He managed 30 rolls and one HUGE grin at the end.
Crystal
Wednesday 22nd of October 2008
prepare them by talking about the new house, town, church, friends, etc... Let them help pack their items and chose which items they want to get rid of and talk about what they are scared of and what they will miss.