Moving to another country is a challenging experience, especially when you have kids. Parents not only need to worry about acclimating to new surroundings, but also making sure to make the transition as painless as possible for their kids. Here are some tips that will help you do that.
Tell Them The News Early
You shouldn’t wait long before breaking the news to your children about moving to another country. Sooner you tell them, the more time they will have to process the news.
Explain the Reasons for the Move
It is a huge change for your children, so they deserve to know why the family is moving. Explain the reasons and tell them about the positives that the move will bring not only to you but to them as well.
Get Them Familiar With the Country
Make sure your kids know where they are going. Get them familiar with the country, its culture, and the way of life so they know what to expect.
Include Them in Planning
Let your kids be part of the planning process. Value their opinion on things like the neighborhood where you are going to live and the house or apartment they will call home.
Help Them Make New Friends Ahead of Time
Your kids will surely make new friends on their own, but you should help them get a head start. Find an expat community in the area on social media and reach out to parents who have children in the same age group. Organize play dates or a get-together, so your kid can meet other kids in the same situation and benefit from their experiences.