Whenever we go away (which is a lot) I always ask myself the question “could I live here”? As much as I love many of the picturesque places we go that doesn’t always qualify it as somewhere I would want to live. But sometimes work, commitments, family, change of lifestyle can take us abroad for a prolonged time. For adults, there are many factors to consider when preparing for a big move with the family. But for children it can be a more dramatic and stressful experience. Here are 8 tips on helping children deal with moving abroad.
Involve them In Decisions
Letting them feel like they are a vital part of the process will help boost their self-confidence in a situation which may leave them feeling powerless. Young children won’t always understand the reasoning behind the move whether it be for better job opportunities or to live closer to family. Instead, focus on asking them questions about their place of choice, present them with various housing options, show them pictures and give them specific information about the new destination, particularly if moving to a country with a completely different culture.
‘A Better Life’
Reiterate all the advantages the move will have. All the people I know who have lived abroad are very rounded, knowledgable and worldly people. Explain how experiencing a new culture will enrich them and provide the valuable opportunity to integrate with an international community as well as make lots of new friends. Look into the facilities for children and explain why it will be a fun place for them to live as well as the advantages of the chosen schooling system.
Choose A Reliable Moving Company
The last thing you want is your belongings to go missing or sentimental items getting broken. Take your time to study and compare different solutions. Search the internet for different options, for instance, Blissmoving, for removals between Italy and USA or other destinations around the world.
Family Wish-List
Making a family ‘wish-list’ is a great way to achieve a general consensus so that the kids know their needs are being met and that the move will be a better improvement from life back home. If they always wanted to live by the sea or in the country, then their preferences should be acknowledged and integrated into the moving decision. This will not only relieve their stress but is also a useful learning experience for them that will heighten their sense of responsibility.
Saying Goodbye
Goodbyes to friends and favourite spots are always hard but the emotional turmoil can be relieved by making last minute visits, holding a goodbye party and creating a memory book with their friends’ contacts so that they can keep in touch from abroad. With social media, it has never been easier to keep in touch with friends from all over the world.
Establish A Network
Contact reliable international or local expatriate associations that have all the resources you need to make the process of integration easier for your kids. Visit the place beforehand and, if possible, bring your kids along during a holiday trip so they can experience for themselves what their new environment will offer.
Packing Up
For toddlers or children below the age of 6 the move is not likely to be as dramatic as it is for teenagers but explanations are always necessary and using toys and drawing colourful pictures of your new home or environment to get them excited about the move will make things easier. Explain that the toys that are going into the boxes will be going to a fun, new location.
Communication
Moving house in general is a stressful experience for parents – and children will feel the same emotional anxiety. Effective communication is vital to all the family during the planning and transition phases.
*This post has been written in collaboration with MD
Pictures courtesy of Pixabay
It would be such a huge change, but those tips would definitely help to prepare kids…is there something you haven’t told us? Lol, I’m sure you’re tempted to move to one of your glamorous destinations!
Niki – Play & Learn Every Day recently posted…Letter Writing Basket
Haha – I’m afraid not. No plans but I would never rule it out! X
Oh this post hit home for me, a move to yet another country is looming over us and I am in that point of my life right now when I just want to establish some permanent roots on a ground of a particular place. While the expat life has been very exciting and highly enjoyed by us, I think a permanent move is what I’m looking for now. Unfortunately, with my husband’s job – it’s quite impossible. 🙁
Pinay Flying High recently posted…Hakkatini Nights at Hakkasan Doha, A Fad or Here To Stay?
Oh Hun, where are you off to next? Must be so tough constantly moving and making new friends. I can totally see why you’d want to settle somewhere permanently. Good luck with the move. X
We did a memory book when we moved countries. It really helped.
Susanna recently posted…The Modern Family is going to Hawaii!
It’s such a good idea!
Impressive article. I remember in our first move to abroad, we made a party for my kids and they’re friends and took’s lot of picture for remembrance. 🙂 Thank you Elizabeth, for sharing this to us.
Jimmie Hornback recently posted…Have Stress Free Moving with Packing Services
Thank you – and for stopping by.
Ohh… Thank! I’m glad you post this Elizabeth. We are planning for move country to country, and my kids is about to sulking in me because why we have to move, and I do not know of what I’m gonna to do to make them comfortable to other house, but, your 8 tips is fascinating and setting a family wish-list is the best way to do. Thank you so much! Elizabeth!
Jeff Graham recently posted…Benefits of Hiring Movers When Relocating
Thank you very much. Glad they helped.