If you are considering uprooting your life and moving overseas with your children, whether for a new work opportunity or a change of pace, then you are likely worried sick with how it is going to affect them. It is certainly a stressful time for everyone involved, but there are steps that you can take to make the transition easier. In this article, we’re going to look at some things to consider when moving your life abroad with children.
Consider visiting before moving
A great way to soften the blow is visiting before you relocate. This will give you children an opportunity to acclimatise to their new home and get excited about the adventure. Once they have spent some time gauging what their new environment will have to offer them, the thought of moving might not seem so scary anymore.
Involve your children as much as possible
While your children don’t really get to dictate the rules for your family, it might be a good idea to try and involve them in the moving process as much as possible. For example: when looking for a new place to live, first do some of your own research and come up with some potentials that you are happy with. Then you can involve your children and have them help you make the final decision.
Find a great area with good schools
Your children will likely be frightened by the prospect of starting at a new school in a totally alien environment. This is why it is paramount that you research the areas that you want to live in and ensure that they have plenty of quality schools in the area. Take The Met Sathorn in Bangkok as an example; not only is it in an upmarket area with decent schools nearby, but it is also in close proximity to the BTS Skytrain granting easy access to the rest of the city.
Research plenty of social opportunities for you and your children
Similar to a great education, you want to live in an area that provides your children with ample opportunity to make new friends and socialise. Now is the time to join community groups online and start reaching out to other expat families in the area.
Accept that there will be difficulties for all of you
Be mindful of the pressure that it will put on your children and research ways to help your children manage their stress. There will be challenges and they will certainly miss their friends, but as long as you keep in close contact with friends and family back home, you should be able to make the transition a little easier on everyone.
