We moved from one flat to another in Singapore when DD was a little under 2.5 and DS was about to be born (3 days before!). Not only was she moving, she was also moving into a different room from us and having a proper bed - previousy we stayed at my BIL's place in one smallish room, so she stayed in her cot that long (via a trip to Beijing but that's another story). DD is fairly adaptable fortunately, but given that a new baby was about to move into HER cot I was a bit worried, so one of the things I remember doing was to make up her bed with nice new, specially-bought covers and put HER toys on it. I'd also painted the room yellow and laid out as much as I possibly could before we moved her in, and it seemed to work. Sure she had problems with her brother, but never with her room!

Familiar bedclothes might work even better if DD is going to have the same type of bed. Mummy and stuff are what make it home really and most kids adapt pretty well, especially at that age when their old friends are soon forgotten in the excitement of making new ones. If you show enthusiasm and excitement about it DD will catch that mood and feel that way about the move too. No matter how divided you feel about it you must not show her anything other than positive emotions. I did that with my two and thunderstorms and people were always bemused to find them laughing at loud cracks of thunder. It's the same with books and anything else you get enthusiastic about.

No matter whether she can understand or not talk to DD about all the exciting new things there are to see and do in Edinburgh, about visiting special places or seeing special people. Also, since you're finishing your PhD you could maybe link the two together and make her feel that the move has something to do with Mummy having more time to play with her. You could pick out clothes together for her to wear when you actually physically make the journey, a special new journey toy... There are so many things and it will depend on DDs temperament, but I really think you'll be fine and your positive attitude will be the deciding factor for her.

Kerri.