We will not sugarcoat this; it is not easy to move your kids to another country. So get ready for all the fussing and fighting because you are literally taking them from anything they know, including their cherished friends.
Good luck in trying to convince them that they will make new friends in their home. Moving to another country will be hard for each family member, so do not lose sight of what is essential. So how can you prepare your children for the move and help them adjust to their new ex-pat life?
Understand Your Kid’s Emotions
Your kids are experiencing the same emotions as you. They are going through feelings of uncertainty, sadness, anxiety, etc., and you need to address these emotions. Your kids may not fully understand how the move is life-changing, so nothing should go unnoticed. Please do not shy away from the tough conversations and allow your kids to express how they feel about the change openly.
As your kids open up, try not to defend or explain. Instead, listen and be there. When children feel your support, you earn their trust, and it also gives them practice inadequately dealing with their emotions in the future.
Use your kid’s interests to your advantage.
It would be best if you consider your kid’s interests when finding your new home. For example, if your kids enjoy sports activities, make it your mission to find areas to engage in what they love in their new home.
Research your new city and what it offers in kids’ activities, clubs, etc.; your kids won’t refuse. It will help you pitch the idea of moving to them to help them and get them excited about a positive aspect of their relocation. Go on social media, start developing friendships with natives of your new country, and ask for their advice and personal recommendations on fun activities in the city.
Introduce the language
According to professional international movers, you are moving to a place that does not speak your native language, it will be pretty hard moving around. The good news is that kids pick up new languages faster than adults, so it won’t be hard for your kids to move around. It is always best to introduce the new language to your kids before the move. It will give them the confidence to be able to adjust to the change and communicate with locals. You can use inexpensive language flashcards to familiarise them with simpler words slowly. Or place signs around your home labeling the objects.
Connect with some locals before the move
Making friends with some locals always helps when you move to a new place. Friends will recommend the best places to eat, where you can find affordable accommodation, the best schools, etc. Try connecting with other ex-pat moms on social media and let your kids make friends as well. Knowing that they have new friends at the new place will help them be eager to move and be with them. You will find playdate ex-pat groups on social media filled with many ex-pat moms eager for their kids to build early relationships.
Plan the move with your kids
A genius trick to get your kids ready for the move is to let them be a part of the entire process. Listen to their recommendations and give them the room to make decisions. Doing this will make them feel heard and valued. The kids should be able to choose how their rooms will look like, the activities they will engage in, and to some extent, the schools they will attend. Let them take keepsakes so they can still have a connection to their old and new home. The goal is to get the kids genuinely excited and look forward to being in their home.
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