On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, in Freeda the Frog Is On the Move, award-winning author Nadine Haruni offers a heartwarming story and practical tips to help kids embrace the adventure of moving while navigating its challenges.
Freeda The Frog Is On The Move
Moving to a new home or embarking on a new adventure like sleepaway camp can be a daunting experience for children. In her latest book, Freeda the Frog Is On the Move, Gold Mom’s Choice Award-winning children’s author Nadine Haruni tackles the emotional complexities of relocation through a heartwarming story.
With vibrant illustrations by Tina Modugno, the book follows Freeda the Frog and her tadpoles as they navigate the challenges of moving to a new home, city, and school.
Drawing from her expertise as an author, attorney, certified yoga instructor, and mother of a blended family of five, Haruni shares five practical tips to help kids cope with the stress of moving or other significant transitions.
Tips To Help Kids With Moving
1. Communication is Key
Open and honest conversations are essential for easing a child’s anxiety about change. Whether preparing for a move or heading to camp, Haruni emphasizes explaining what to expect and why the change is happening. “Invite kids to ask questions and share their feelings,” she says. Involving them in the planning process—whether it’s packing for a move or preparing for camp—helps them feel heard and more in control of the situation.
2. Create a Positive Atmosphere
Haruni encourages parents to frame the transition as an exciting adventure. For a move, let kids help pack or choose items for their new room. For camp, involve them in selecting supplies or decorating their bunk with familiar items from home. “Turning the unknown into something exciting can ease nervousness,” Haruni notes. This approach mirrors the journey of Freeda’s family, who embrace their move as an opportunity to grow closer.
3. Maintain a Sense of Routine
Big changes feel less overwhelming when some aspects of life remain consistent. Haruni advises maintaining familiar routines, such as regular mealtimes or bedtime rituals, before and after a move or during the lead-up to camp. “Even small things like a favorite snack can offer comfort and predictability,” she says, helping children feel grounded amidst change.
4. Familiarize Them with the New Environment
Exploring new surroundings can make them feel less intimidating. If possible, visit the new neighborhood before moving or take a virtual tour of a camp’s facilities. Haruni suggests showing kids photos, maps, or schedules of their new environment and discussing what to expect. “This helps them feel more grounded and prepared,” she explains, a strategy that helps Freeda’s tadpoles adjust to their new home in the story.
5. Be Patient and Supportive
Transitions are emotional, and Haruni stresses the importance of patience. “Kids may feel nervous, sad, or excited all at once—those ups and downs are normal,” she says. Validate their emotions and give them space to express their feelings, whether they’re adjusting to a new home or experiencing homesickness at camp. This empathy is at the heart of Freeda the Frog Is On the Move, where the frog family navigates their emotions together.
About Freeda the Frog Is On the Move
In the third book of the Freeda the Frog series, Freeda welcomes her new husband, Samson, and his tadpole into her lily pad alongside her two tadpoles. However, fitting five frogs into a small space proves challenging, prompting the family to make the bold decision to move to a new home, city, and school.
Through this journey, they grow closer as a family, learning that change can bring unexpected joys. Haruni hopes the book helps children facing similar worries see the “silver lining” in life’s transitions. The book also includes a coloring sheet and word find for added engagement.
About Nadine Haruni
Nadine Haruni is an accomplished author known for her Freeda the Frog series, which promotes acceptance and supports children through real-life challenges, and The Hat Diaries trilogy, a fantasy adventure series for teens and adults. A practicing attorney, certified yoga instructor, and mother of five, Haruni brings a unique perspective to her storytelling. She frequently engages with audiences through author events, radio, TV interviews, and podcasts.
Find more from Nadine Haruni now:
Website: www.freedathefrog.com
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @freedathefrog
Paperback: https://amzn.to/44DmEoq
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3IrWhKn
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