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Top 6 Tips About Preparing Children for Smooth Overseas Moves

It is common for parents and their children to experience great difficulty when relocating abroad. Even with services like affordable local movers in Huntington Beach to make the transition smooth, the effects can be strongly felt.

The good news is that, if done right, relocating overseas may be extremely helpful to children and their development. Studies have shown that pupils who study abroad have a greater chance of developing into confident individuals who are more adaptive and have superior social skills. 

Because of this experience of relocating to a new country, children are more likely to be able to cope with change in the future. As a result, they are more sensitive to and accepting of cultural differences, which is a valuable characteristic in an increasingly diverse society.

Check these tips on how to set up children for an easy move to another country! 

#1. Set Up a Routine

Whatever the age of your children, one of your first and most important responsibilities will be to assist them in adjusting to their new surroundings.

The methods you use to assist your child in adjusting will differ, but routine will play a significant role. Along with encouraging them to explore and grow enthusiastic about their new home, you must develop a schedule as soon as possible. You may be staying in a hotel or serviced apartment while preparing to move into your longer-term residence, but you can still eat and go to bed at the same times as you would at home.

#2. Empathize With the Child

Take a moment to look at the world through the eyes of your child. Most children find it exceedingly difficult to adapt to starting school in a foreign country, and you must do everything in your power to assist and support them during this process.

It will not be long before they have settled in and established new friends because children are generally quite good at adjusting to new environments. Maintaining awareness of their emotions during the process is critical in helping them accept their new surroundings.

#3. Adapt According To Age

The age and developmental stage of the child are important considerations. Preschoolers find “home” wherever their parents are, making them great candidates for even the most extreme ex-pat moves. Children can form strong yet flexible attachments to peers and schools between the ages of five and ten. This means that if they are appropriately prepared for the relocation, they will be able to quickly adapt to their new surroundings and create new social bonds.

On the contrary, teenagers are frequently the most apprehensive ex-pats. Their social contacts and recreational activities are vital to their identity. Leaving these can be quite disorienting, and it can even feel like a bereavement.

It takes time to prepare your children for life in a foreign country. Of course, some children will enjoy the experience from the moment they hear “We’re moving to Kinshasa!” and will most likely thrive in their new surroundings. Furthermore, some ex-pat relocations to similar cultural situations will require significantly fewer adaptations. However, most people will want some assistance to reach a point of acceptance and positive adaptation.

#4. Get Your Children Involved

Allow the kids to take part in the decision-making process. Include them from the beginning so they can get used to the concept, voice any concerns, and, most importantly, feel like their input influenced the decision to relocate abroad. Show them the various options for lodging and schools and solicit their feedback. It is critical at this point to present information that is both clear and realistic. Not everything will be simple. 

Some compromises may be necessary. Don’t sugarcoat anything — the keys to winning your children’s approval are being honest and focusing on the positive. Pack comfortable bedding so that you can relax and unwind when you get to your destination. Include your children in the packing process by determining which of their favorite toys must accompany them on the trip and which can be mailed.

#5. Get Your Child Excited Beforehand

Information about the destination is the best remedy to doubt and worry about the move. Do some research on your new trip, introduce your youngster to the cuisine that will be served there — whatever it takes to acclimate your child to their new environment. 

For younger children, this may entail teaching them about healthy fruits, harmful animals, and other vital safety considerations. Give them a list of simple terms to learn in the target country’s language. These few statements can elicit tremendously positive emotions from locals and quick feelings of accomplishment in the ex-pat child when they arrive.

#6. Start Meeting New People

A strong community of local families, as well as long and short-term expatriates, is usually formed around the school. In many cases, your child’s school becomes a key focal point of his or her life, and the social life of your family.

The school’s admissions team is a fantastic resource for local information, as well as advice on where to live, where to visit, which social clubs to join, and more. Parents should also find local Facebook groups or other activity-focused websites that bring families together in the area where they live.

Conclusion

A long-distance move to another country is always going to be difficult, but children are often more resilient than they are given credit for. With some proper planning and management, you can make it easy for them to get used to their new surroundings and thrive!

 

Jeff Campbell