A local realtor is helping to calm anxious young ones with the publication of an original bedtime story about moving to a new home.
Beau Miller, the owner of real estate business Beautique Realty, in Augustine Heights, published a children’s story book earlier this year titled “Little Red is Moving House”, while also launching the ‘Beautique Realty Kids Club’.
“At Beautique Realty, we believe that with an open inquisitive mind our book can show children that moving house is not so scary after all,” she explained.
The book will assist parents in providing vital emotional support during the stressful time of moving, Beau said.
“It is designed to build connections with our clients and customers, and provide families a bedtime story book that helps the child or children to imagine what their new bedroom could be like in their new home.”
Frequent childhood moves can contribute to anxiety and feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction for some children, and affect quality social relationships. Research has shown it can take up to 16 months for a child to adjust to a relocation – the biggest period of stress being the two weeks before and two weeks after.
“The use of children’s literature, books and movies are wonderful for helping children prepare for and understand difficult situations. Story characters who model successful coping strategies are an excellent resource for children. Through books, you can teach, motivate, thrill, or lull a child to sleep.”
This is particularly meaningful for Beau, whose husband James has been a soldier in the Australian Defence Force for over 25 years.
Defence families, on average, move nearly every three years, meaning some children relocate as many as seven times before the age of 18, Beau explained.
“Many defence families are not able to stay in one location, and with our growing connection to Defence Relocations we’ve been able to use this “Little” book to assist Defence families as well as the wider Greater Springfield families in their relocation.”
“By creating a book that aligns with our brand mascot Little Red, we have been able to support our Beautique clients’ children in their move during the most stressful part.”
“We hope that in future it will also provide an avenue to raise money – via the Wounded Heroes charity – in assisting homeless veterans and their families find shelter and stay safe.
“[Veterans] have spent their entire careers protecting our [national] home, now it’s time we ensure they have one of their own.”
Beau is in the process of listing the book for purchase on her website, with 100% of proceeds donated to their chosen charity – rather than a set price, it will cost a donation of “what you think it is worth”.
Beautique Realty is located at 7/21 Technology Drive, Augustine Heights. For enquiries, call 3050 4230 or email at beau@beautiquerealty.com.au.
