MOVING WITH CHILDREN

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First and foremost, communicate with them. Tell them everything you know about the move and encourage them to ask you as many questions as possible. Answer their questions fully and truthfully, as far as possible. Show them that you are positive about the move; it will help them to feel positive too.

Before you leave your home country or town, take your children to their favourite places, and take as many photos as possible.

If your children are old enough, encourage them to keep in touch with their friends, and to exchange contact details, photos and other souvenirs.

Encourage them to make a scrapbook using the photos of their previous home, town, school and friends, as well as of their favourite places.

Include your children in the removal process, make them feel like participants; you can even include them in the choice of a house. It may be exciting for them to accompany you on house viewings. It will also help reduce fear and anxiety of the unknown.

Help your children learn about the new country and city, and look for exciting activities to do together as a family: zoos, parks, museums, festivals etc. Do not forget to tell them about these activities – they may become happier and more excited than you! Check online and you will certainly find a website with pictures and descriptions.

Look for local clubs and organisations which your children can join so that they can make friends easily. The earlier they are integrated, the quicker they will adjust.

Just before the move, pack your children’s favourite things such as games and booksinto their own boxes with their names on the labels. If you have several children, plan to have one box per child if possible.

Although the move will disrupt your routine, try to keep your children’s daily routine the same as far as possible. It will help them to cope with the new environment.

Let your children unpack their own boxes and decide upon the arrangement and decoration of their own rooms.

Spend as much time as you can with your children after the move, and keep an eye on their school results. Show them that you are interested in their schools and friends by asking them questions, as they may be anxious to tell you about it.

Visit their teachers; accompany them to school to help them feel more relaxed.

Although some children adjust quicker than others, teachers usually expect children to feel comfortable in their new school from about six weeks. So give your child some time to settle in before you begin to worry.

Lastly, the key when moving with children is to make it fun!

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Before Departure:

Upon Arrival:

Being young and already dealing with daily changes makes it easier for children to adjust to new environments. However, the move itself and the weeks following it can be quite difficult for some children.

The following tips may help you to make the transition easier for them: