Living abroad is an exciting experience! It’s also a big change. Are you a parent preparing to make an international move with your family? You undoubtedly already know that it comes with several emotional and logistical challenges. But it’s nothing you can’t handle!
Let’s talk about what might need to be added to your checklist. Here’s a look at top tips for preparing your kids for an international move.
Involve Them In The Process
It’s important to invoice your kids in the process. This is a bit yet essential step. Don’t add secrets to the mix. Instead, allow your child to help as much as possible. This includes getting their perspective in the decision-making process.
Are you shopping for a home or apartment? Ask your child’s opinion about different places they like. You can also provide amenities for them to look over to determine their preference.
Once you move, you should also start discussing the activities your child would like to enroll in. For example, they may want to try a new sport now that they live in a different country. Keeping your child informed can prevent the feeling of being “dragged along.”
Establish A Way To Stay In Touch With Friends
Goodbyes are hard. Your child may have anxiety about losing touch with friends. Make a plan for staying connected before leaving. This can vary based on your comfort level with social media and technology. Some options include:
- Create an email address that your child can share with friends. Safety is essential, though, so you can monitor the account.
- Help your child to collect the physical addresses of friends and family members. Doing so will allow them to send letters and postcards once you arrive in your new home.
- For teens, consider allowing them to connect on social media apps with parental supervision.
Be Honest About The Distance
Younger children may need help understanding how distance works. You may be tempted to “humor” their ideas about visiting with friends whenever they want after the move. Consider showing your child Point A and Point B on a map. Talk about how many hours of travel are involved. Yes, saying they will see their friends again soon is easy. However, the disappointment when that doesn’t happen can be devastating. So, be honest yet caring when explaining how things will be once you move.
Bring Some Familiar Items
Leave some room for the familiar in your fresh start. This could be as simple as letting your child keep their bedding. It’s important to start “picking” their favorite items months or weeks in advance. Planning in advance prevents the shock of leaving things behind.
Make Sure Comfort Food Is Available
Are you moving to a place with a different cuisine? It could take kids a while to adjust. Try to arrange a way for familiar snacks to come with you. That could look like packing away some favorite snacks from home. You can also set up bulk product delivery for your new home.
Having familiar foods delivered to your new residence will give your children a sense of comfort. This is helpful when so much change is already going on around them.
Keep Family Routines And Rituals The Same
Everything doesn’t have to change just because your location has! Try to keep family rituals and dynamics as similar as possible. This includes things like family dinner time or before-bed rituals. Adjusting to a new place can be much easier when kids feel like the fundamentals of life haven’t changed.
Help Them Anticipate Differences
Don’t put your child in a position to be surprised or shocked by something when you’re not there. Even the best places to live abroad may have risks that are different from home. For example, moving to a place vulnerable to earthquakes means that your child’s new school will probably have earthquake drills. Learning about this on the spot can be terrifying. Go over the “big changes” your child can expect beforehand. Explaining and reassuring them of these changes will eliminate potential anxiety in the future.
Conclusion
Leaving to move to a new country will be an adjustment for everyone involved, especially children. Do your best to offer them comfort and compassion during this time. The good news is that children are resilient, and while it may be difficult for them initially, they should quickly adjust. If not, they have you to guide them through life’s challenges so they find joy in their new life.
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