Making big changes in life is always hard, even for the ones that are the most adaptable. Moving abroad is a decision that is usually based on some very good reasons, which makes it no easier. Even adults with lots of life experience find it challenging to move to another country altogether.
For children, this situation can be quite traumatizing. Here are some great tips to prepare your child for the move abroad and make the transition as painless as possible.
- Be honest when talking to your child about the move
It is never good to lie to your children about anything. As their parent, you are the epitome of trustworthiness to them. The news itself you are about to give them is often a shock and difficult to accept. Lying about such a significant life event could hurt them additionally. Thus, the first step is to be honest with your child about what will happen.
Psychologists say that children will sometimes react much better and more mature to certain circumstances if we only give them a fair chance. So, sticking to the truth is essential to prepare your child for the relocation to a different country.
2. Introduce them to the good things the new country has to offer
This is a perfect moment to focus on the positive. Whatever the country you are moving to may be, it must have many beautiful things to look forward to. Tell your child about the wonderful places that await you there. Awaken your child’s natural curiosity.
Kids love to explore new things, sometimes even more than adults do. You could even research the schools and extracurricular activities available in the area you are moving to. That way, you will prepare your kid to relocate to another country and start the new school year without feeling lost.
3. New country, new me
This may be a good time for your children to start afresh as a new and improved version of themselves. Every country has a clothing style that everyone is crazy about, and it most certainly differs from the one in other countries. At least in some details. If your child is a teenager, they would likely find it very fun to try out new-country stylish clothes and adopt a whole new look.
If your child is a toddler, there’s no better way to prep them for settling in a different country than showing them the new and fantastic toys unique to this new place. This will teach them that not all is lost, and much could be gained.
4. Prepare your child for the move abroad by teaching them the new language
Language is a powerful tool in all social interactions, both in personal and business or educational environments. It would be very beneficial if your child learned the language of their future home country. Not only would it mean making new friends more quickly, but it would decrease anxiety in the new school your child will be attending.
Also, it will take their mind off of the move and occupy their little thoughts. Learning new skills is a plus for anyone, even if they weren’t as directly required as in this situation. This may be one of the most relevant steps in getting your child ready to move abroad, and it may be worth investing in.
5. Time flies when you’re having fun
Sitting around and waiting for this stressful event to play out will only increase the stress it brings. Your child needs a distraction, and it’s a fact that they will need to be occupied during the entire process of relocation.
As a parent, it will be your job to keep kids occupied while moving and think of ways to keep them busy, depending on their age and interests. The previously mentioned learning of a new language is an excellent way to start. Enrolling your child in a new course is a great and helpful occupation.
Taking up a new sport can be very fun as well. These new skills will boost your child’s confidence and distract them from the negative aspects of this change.
6. It’s not a “goodbye forever,” it’s a “see you later.”
The hardest part about moving abroad is the fact that we will not be able to see our friends and family as often. This is especially difficult for children, given their sensitive emotions. Friendships are meaningful and play a big part in building a teenager’s identity. But, remind your child that moving away doesn’t mean we are saying goodbye to our friends for good.
Nowadays, there are very effective and cheap ways to stay in touch with our loved ones daily, such as social networks and communication platforms we all have on our phones. Also, any point on the map is just several hours of flight away.
Tune your child’s emotions for the departure to another home by saying that a farewell to their friends is temporary.
7. Get your child to see this as a journey and an adventure
As we have mentioned before, children are naturally curious. Many seemingly tedious activities can be turned into something fun. Make the process of moving an adventure. One idea is to take an Earth globe model and explore with your child the possible routes where the flight to the new country will take you.
Discuss with your kid the new climate and how interesting it will be to live in those new conditions. You could also involve your child in arranging a new living space, and they can participate in selecting the furniture for the new kid’s room.
Get your kid ready for relocating to another country by pointing out all the positive stuff you will go through during that process. For your belongings to arrive safely in the new location and to avoid boring parts of the move in general, experts from bestmoversinflorida.com suggest that you always seek professional moving assistance. This way, you can prevent the exhausting parts and focus on the fun aspects of this move.
Conclusion
Moving away is an emotional rollercoaster for anyone, kids included. But making it fun and interesting may convert it into a positive experience and get your child to embrace the new country more quickly.
If you follow our tips on how to prepare your child for the move abroad, you will likely start a new life with an optimistic outlook on it. And that’s an excellent start, don’ you think?
Author: Jassica Mendez (Copywriter)