Easing the transition....

I was expecting elder dd to be really wound up about the move.  Surprisingly, she is very upbeat and excited about the whole thing.  I wasn't expecting any trouble w/younger dd, but she is feeling WAY stressed.  It's hit her that she's leaving her friends, half her family, and her kitty behind.  Any suggestions on how to help her?  We talk, talk, and talk some more.  I've told her that all these feelings are normal, and that I'll be there to help her.  I frankly feel a bit helpless here...any advice from someone who's been there?

I've never moved overseas with children in tow, but it's a big change for anybody, regardless of age!  Perhaps you could try to emphasize some of the positive aspects of the move?  It'll be a new adventure, with loads of places to explore, new people to meet, new foods to try, and a new living space to help decorate!  And both of your daughters will have lots of pen pals because they'll be writing to friends in the States, which means they'll get lots of letters in the post.  If you will have a computer in the UK, perhaps you could consider purchasing a Web cam so that you can all video-chat with friends and family back home.  Of course, you'll plan a trip back to visit the States at some point, as well, so that will also be something to look forward to, and you and the girls can mark off a calendar to count down the days. 

Kids are really resilient, as well -- once they settle in, they will be just fine, so try not to worry!  What will be really fun is to hear their accents develop!   

I will second what hummingbird had to say about the resiliency of kids.

You will also notice a change in their behaviors and their acceptance once the move is over. It may be a roller coaster of feelings but it sounds like you are doing a great job talking with you children. That is very important especially during a time when you have sooo many things to get in order.

Looks like you are just about to make the big hop over, congrats!!!

Promises like people will write from home or will phone often are easily made, but that's often times completely out of our control. Help your children focus on activities that they can control. Perhaps consider giving them simple assignments at the aiport (look for a bathroom, water fountain, gate number etc), on the flight (collecting trash to hand the attendant, watching for the bathroom light to go off, etc) or upon arrival (get a trolley, count the bags). Make it fun instead of heavy responsibility.

Another idea is giving your daughters small journals/scraps of paper/envelopes/whatever, to write their experiences, draw pictures, share feelings, collect ticket stubs etc. This is an activity that can also take place after you arrive and start to get settled. It can be an activity like creating a simple story book for other kids who have to go through this. They can write things like where they are going, how they are feeling, what's the same, what's different, what they miss etc. This could become a treasured moment when they get older or something to share with the children at their new school. Your daughters are doing something many children will never experience and having something tangible is ideal for their developmental age.

We're sure you are doing a fabulous parenting job! All you can do now is jump in with two feet. Safe travels!!!