Top tips for moving with your children

Moving abroad offers huge benefits for a child – exposure to a different culture, hearing a new language and creating a new network of friends can instil confidence which will pay dividends in later life. However moving abroad with children can also be stressful, they can feel like they are being uprooted from their friends, hobbies and routine. They may also find it difficult to express the emotions they are feeling.

Here are some tips for parents with young children on how to help them flourish in their new surroundings:

Communication is key

Talking with your children about the move is very important. Encourage them to talk about their feelings; ask them if they feel scared, nervous or apprehensive so you can put their minds at ease. If you explain why you are moving, what the new home will be like and the exciting things that will be found in the new area, they may start to feel more optimistic about the experience.

Don’t be afraid to mention that you are also nervous about the move whilst also emphasising the excitement of a new adventure.

Involve your children in the moving process

Encourage them to draw pictures and fill out fact sheets about their new home. Make it fun! Head onto Google Maps and view the new local playground or research where you can buy their favourite food – because it is nice to keep some existing rituals going. Hopefully this will mean your child will get more excited before they arrive and have a firmer idea of what to expect. Once there, by allowing them to choose their own room and decorate it – kids will feel more included in the process.

Let them unpack their favourites

Just before moving day, prepare a package for each child with their favorite toys, books, clothing and snacks. Label it with the child’s name and be sure to keep it handy during the actual move. Although you may be tempted to discard their old, tattered toys, you may want to hold on to a few of your child’s favorites. Let them unpack some of these well-loved toys and put them in their new room.

Make it feel like home

Unpacking can also be an arduous task. Thoroughly plan your inventory and ensure that those items the kids are particularly attached to have a designated box with their name on it which can be accessed easily on arrival.

Make a list of high priority items that should be unpacked first. Things like personal items and familiar furniture will definitely make your new place feel like home for your family.

Stay calm and collected – the move may well end up being the best choice your family has ever made. If you are moving abroad with children and would like more advice, please email Marcia Florence via mflorence@crownww.com.

Tel: 1300 898 349

Go knowing www.crownrelocations.com.au