How to Prepare Kids for an International Move
Relocating overseas is a huge milestone, and children may experience both positive and negative emotions in this regard. Being well prepared is without any doubt the most important factor in the successful adaptation of your children to a new country, society, and environment. Here are some suggestions on how to get your children ready for relocation abroad:
- Discuss the change Well in Advance
Once the arrangements are being made, then there is no need to introduce them to the children. They can cope with the processing of the information with sufficient time in advance. Dwell into the details of the reasoning behind the decision and what are its consequences. Projecting honesty mixed with reassuring calmness is important especially when it is acceptable to be both aroused and anxious by the news. Take the time to respond to their inquiries and do your best to inform them of the new country as thoroughly as possible.
- Make the Children Part of the Move
Enable your children to participate in the moving process by allowing them to make some choices. If there is a planned move, allow them to pack some their things, allow them to decide what to take with them, or allow them to customize their new room. Including them in the decision-making process, like what are the things they will explore in the new country that they will take pleasure in is a good source of excitement and instills a proactive attitude over the family situations.
- Explore the New Place as a Family
To alleviate strangers, importance may be attached to their schooling in a new country. Inquire about cultural practices, the spoken language, local cuisine, recreational facilities. To help children absorb the culture and physical settings, use videos, books, or even maps. If not, try to let them see some images of what their new area is like, including the school, and places of recreation. It will contribute in making the process of transition smoother by giving them ideas of what they will find there.
- History of the School Structures, Facilities, and Services
Relocating overseas more often comes with the expectance of enrolling into a different school, and possibly even a different education system or in a foreign language. If school is a source of anxiety for your children, try to organize a trip to the school (if possible) or organize virtual tours. You can even befriend other ex-pats or classmates beforehand so that they can adjust easier. If need be, help them learn the new language and reassure their worried hearts that it’s perfectly okay to be apprehensive.
- Think of the Advantages
Find out what is worth praising about the relocation. Discuss the positive changes including, the changes in environment, making new, different cultural friends and tasting new dishes or engaging in various activities. Shifting their focus to these positive opportunities can help them see this transition as a thrilling new journey in their lives instead of the unbearable eviction from the only world they know.
- Enjoy Globalization And Modern Technology
In the midst of it all, children will find comfort and stability in caring enough to maintain the same routines which they are already used to. All meals, sleep times, family cycled celebrations before and after the journey should try and follow their designated time tables. Likewise, take some of their most cherished toys and books as well as other comforting items so that they can adjust well into the new setting.
- Provide for Good Byes and Distance Sustenance of Relationships
Often, moving to new places means leaving old friends and family behind which can be very disheartening to some children. Aid them in this grief transition by providing necessary support through appropriate farewell parties or minor gatherings. Most importantly, remind them to ask for their friends’ numbers and to video call with them regularly. Having the reassurance that they can communicate with their previous life lessens the pain of separation.
