Relocating with children
September 19th, 2017
Moving abroad can be daunting process especially when you are moving with children. Many parents ask themselves: “What is the right time to move abroad with children?” There is no correct answer to that question.
It is obviously simpler to move abroad when your children are very young. Younger children do generally adapt easier and learn the language faster. The children under 5 years old are in generally the happiest with their parents and siblings. They will not (at least not terribly) miss the few friends they already have and will make new friends easily. At least you do not need to worry about finding the right school immediately.
With older kids there it gets more complex. They can be resistant the idea of moving and leaving their friends behind.
Children from 5 to 10 years old are more attached to their friends and already made the start in school. In most cases the children of that age are not yet in Facebook or in other social media, so staying in touch with the friends may be difficult. On the other hand, social media and chatting with old friends can also hinder the adjustment process to the new country.
Teenagers are story of its own and are often perceived as the most difficult group to relocate with. Being stretched between childhood and adulthood they can react strongly to the idea of moving abroad. While teens often live a smartphone clued in their hand, they would still miss their friends back home and would easily get feeling to be missing out all the fun.
Kids of all ages are anxious about being accepted in the new social circles, coping with the new language and in generally leaving the familiar life behind. Luckily parents can do many things to support their offspring with relocation.
• Involve them in the planning, preparation and decision process
• Learn together about the host country and culture
• Learn the basics of the new language
• Manage the expectations
• Avoid talking negatively about the move but be positive about the future
• Encourage them to speak up about their feelings
• Be open about your own worries but don’t burden the kids
• Retain the familiar routines as far as possible
• Do your homework early and relocate prepared
• Search social clubs or hobbies in the new host country in advance
RSH offers School / Pre-school / Kindergarten Search within our Online Relocation service line. Have a look from the link: http://www.relocation-holland.nl/online-relocation/relocation/school-pre-school-kindergarten-search
