Moving out of state with a preschooler (aka Phoenix, here we come!)

[s_gosney]

Hi all. Well, I've finalized my decision for a PhD program and we'll be moving to the Phoenix area late this summer. I'm really concerned about dd and how to help her deal with it. She's been in the same daycare for a long time and is really attached to her friends and caregivers there. And she's really attached to her grandmas who both live here in OK. And she does not handle change well at all.
So, I'm looking for tips and BTDT experience. What helped your dc transition? How long before the move did you tell your dc you were moving?
Also, Phoenix area mommies, if you can give me any leads on good child care (I really want it to be play based, gentle discipline preferred), pediatricians, etc, I would be most appreciative. We'll be living somewhere near Tempe, possibly Chandler.
Thanks!

[lisams]

I don't have time to type up a lot, so I'll come back but check out Mesa Pediatrics. We see Dr. Piacentine, and he is an awesome dr. He's been voted one of Phoenix's best a few years in the Phoenix magazine. They have an office in Tempe. We live in Chandler and love it. I'll get back to this later, DS is fussing.

[Emmas Mom]

I know a wonderful daycare provider (don't know if she has openings) who is state licensed & would be happy to give you her info if you want to PM me. You can also go through the state to find licensed providers in the area you will live.

Also, for pediatricians we go to Pueblo Pediatrics & absolutely love them. www.pueblopeds.com

Coming from a military background where we moved every two years I can tell you that children are resiliant & seem to make friends easily. Granted every child is different though, but I would tell her a couple months in advance & talk it up as a new adventure. I'm sure she'll be fine. Good luck! :)

[Wife_and_mommy]

Congrats on making a decision. :)

Wanted to share a good idea I read in Family Fun(April/07, I think).
The mom made a book for the dd about the fun places they could visit, the house they'd live in, you could do the daycare if you've decided etc. They talked about it all and the dd was familiar with it all by the time they'd moved. I think it's a great idea esp. for a dc who might not handle transitions well.

hth.


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I love them most when they are sleeping.--Me
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[s_gosney]

Thanks, Lisa. I'll definitely look into your ped and look forward to your other thoughts when you get a chance! :)

[s_gosney]

Thanks for the info on the peds. I'll check them out too. I'll pm you about the daycare provider.

I keep reminding myself that kids are resilient, but when it's your child every tear seems monumental sometimes, KWIM? Thanks for your help and encouragement!

[s_gosney]

I saw that idea too! And it does definitely sound like a good idea. Even if I don't get out there to take actual pictures of where we'll live, there are some things that I can incorporate (like the apartment's pretty much guaranteed to have a pool). And she went with me when I went for a recruitment visit a couple of months ago, so she already has fond memories of Arizona. :)

Thanks!

[Dyonia]

I don't have any advice on child care, unfortunately.

However, we have a fabulous pediatrician whom we LOVE. Dr. Gentile is located in Chandler. His PA and CNP are really nice, as are the front office staff.

The office is at Chandler Blvd and Alma School Rd. in Chandler. Phone number is 480-857-0222.

I found a website with reviews, too! http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3709846422

I wish you lots of luck with your moving, and hope that the transition will be a smooth one and easy one for both you and your DD.

[Emmas Mom]

Sherri, I also wanted to mention that Gilbert has a great city based year round recreation program for kids. LOTS of different types of classes: dance, activity, sports, etc. Also, swimming lessons in the summer. Plus there is a Little Gym, Gymboree, Rolly Pollies for recreation classes too...not all in Gilbert but nearby. Tempe, Chandler, Mesa & Gilbert are all next to each other. And the Phoenix zoo is (to my surprise) one of the top five zoos in the nation for kids. Who knew?! It's a great area, despite the heat in the summertime.

[almostamom]

Sherri - I just pm'd you.

Linda

[lisams]

Your welcome :-) Looks like you got some good recommendations on peds! Here's a link to the group we go to http://mesapeds.com/Home.htm?layout=MESAPEDS&

If you're going to ASU, you might want to check and see if they have childcare on campus. I know their preschool program is super awesome, but I'm not sure what the hours are like. I wish I had more ideas for childcare for you!

The zoo is great, especially when it starts cooling off around October (cooling off meaning 80s). We also like the AZ Museum for Youth (in Mesa, not too far from Tempe) http://www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com/Home.aspx Chandler has some parks that have splash pads that are really fun during the warm months http://phoenix.about.com/od/publicswimmingpools/ss/splash_5.htm

I'll post more if I think of some! I've never had experience moving with a young child, but I'm guessing that once you guys get settled in she'll be just fine. I know it's hard though, knowing how happy she is where you are now.

[kransden]

ASU has a wonderful daycare! Fill out an application NOW so you can be put on the waiting list. I'll try to pm later.

Karin and Katie 10/24/02