Making it easy to move abroad with kids

Moving to a new home can be challenging, and when you have children, there's a further layer of complexity to deal with. From saying goodbye to friends to adjusting to a new school, it's an emotionally challenging time. But with the right preparation and support, you can help make the process easier for your children - and yourself. Here are some practical steps to ensure a smooth move for the whole family.

Prepare your child emotionally

Between leaving their friends behind, adapting to a new school, and losing their childhood home, there are many changes to consider for your kids. Here are a few ways you can prepare them emotionally:

• Prepare them early: The sooner you engage with them about moving, the more time they will have to process this change. It also allows them to voice their questions and concerns.
• Reassure them: Anxiety, sadness and uncertainty are normal when moving, and kids need to know that these feelings are natural and temporary.
• Encourage participation: Whether they’re assembling boxes or folding their clothes, participation brings a sense of control that eases anxiety in kids during a move.

Select the best school for them

You know your kids best, so choose the right school for them. It isn't always an easy decision to make, but here are some key things to think about that can make the change easier for your children.

• Consider international institutes: Schools that offer International Baccalaureates are popular among expats because they are experts at dealing with new arrivals and giving the extra support that they need. The qualifications they offer are also recognised in lots of different countries.
• Learning new languages: Consider schools that teach, at least partially, in your child’s native language. This helps to reduce the culture shock after a big move and makes your child feel comfortable at school quicker.
• Investigate the school culture: Make sure you look at the values of the school as well as its academic achievements. Their approach to learning, possible religious affiliations, choice of after-school clubs and demographics can indicate whether your child will fit it or not.

Talk to AGS Movers and use their local expertise to help make your move easy

Encourage socialising with new friends

Ensure your kids don’t feel isolated by encouraging them to make new friends. You can try to:

• Encourage extracurricular activities: Clubs at school or in your new neighbourhood are an excellent way to get your child interacting with others and feeling at home.
• Host play dates: Arrange with other parents in the schoolyard for their kids to visit your kids at home. By being at home, your child will feel more relaxed and able to enjoy bonding with their new friends. This also helps you get to know other parents.
• Have patience: Provide your child space and time to get used to new friend groups and social dynamics without adding pressure to fit in.

Maintain routines

Maintaining a consistent schedule helps kids to feel more stable. While there's no hiding the big changes that have taken place in their life, consistent daily routines reinforce feelings of security and confidence in their new environment.

• Create a daily routine: Breakfast, school, homework, supper, bathtime, bedtime. These key activities remove any uncertainty, ensuring your children always have something certain in their lives to rely on.
• Familiar items: Toys, blankets, clothing, ornaments, even cooking familiar dishes can provide comfort and ease anxiety for young children after moving. When packing, think about which things should be easily accessible as soon as you arrive and which might be okay following on later.
• Maintain relationships: Encourage phone calls and text messages to family back home. Knowing they can still talk to family and friends back home can reduce the sense of loss that comes with moving.

Be patient and supportive

Supporting your kids during and after the move is extremely important. While some adapt quickly to new circumstances, others need time and patience while they acclimate to a new environment.

• Practise patience: Prepare for an adjustment period with emotional highs and lows. Ensure they feel comfortable expressing themselves and communicating openly with you.
• Provide time for adjustment: Expect your child to feel unsure, homesick, upset, and even angry. Ensure you support them emotionally and allow them to express these feelings openly.
• Make them feel like they belong: Exploring your new town or city together can assist with cultural integration. Visit parks, museums, local restaurants, or watch local sports games together to make them feel at home.
• Check in with them: Catch up with your kids by asking them about their day and how they’ve been feeling.

Moving with kids can be easy with the right approach

While moving anywhere with kids can be overwhelming, it doesn’t need to be. By finding a good school, creating a routine, encouraging them to socialise, and supporting them emotionally, you can make the experience all the more pleasant for both you and your little ones. Remember that the key elements are planning and support throughout the moving process.