So, you just got a great job opportunity abroad, and you can't wait to move. Everything should be smooth, right? Well, maybe. If you are moving alone, you only have yourself to plan for. However, if you have kids, you'll find out quickly that moving requires more work on your part.
There are many things to consider when moving abroad with your kids. Their needs are important, and this is why we have written this article to guide you. In this article, we will be sharing with you key things to do when moving your kids abroad with you.
When you are sure you have the opportunity to move, don't just keep things between yourself and your spouse. Your kids deserve to know too. Remember that your kids also have a life here. By telling your kids, it helps them feel that their opinion also matters in the move.
Also, telling your kids in advance allows them to properly say farewell to their friends. If there is a bucket list of to-dos they've procrastinated on, by telling them in time, you would have given them an incentive to get right to them. Moves are best made when the kids are on board.
While you are considering your new location and probably your career, your kids' world primarily revolves around their education. Before you live at all, make sure you have a solid plan for that. Try as much as possible to conduct deep research on the schools around.
Your education options should match your preference and the goals you have for your kids. What kind of school do your kids attend right now? Can you find something similar? What is their model of teaching? Can you see their syllabuses? Do an extensive research before deciding on your choice. Your kids' education is paramount.
Living abroad alone is simple. You may live anywhere once you get there — a hotel room, a flatshare, a room, an Airbnb, the airport parking lot, wherever. Things change when you're bringing your kids with you. Kids simply can't do well under some kind of conditions.
Before you leave your home country, make sure you have accommodation sorted out in advance. Where are you going to live? What are the rates around? How big of an apartment would you need? Naturally, the size of your family will determine many of these things. Make sure you figure out the accommodation thing first.
To make the whole idea of the trip more fun for your kids, bring them in on the whole experience. How about telling them what to expect in the new country? What are the new things they would encounter? What are the people like? Is there a new language to learn? Learn a few words.
Luckily, there are countless amounts of language apps out there to explore. The process of learning new words with your kids and practicing easy phrases together will get them engaged fast. Are their videos of arts, culture, and festivals? You should definitely check YouTube.
One more exciting thing you can do in this regard is to tap into the possibilities of Google Maps. You should take your kids on a virtual tour of the streets. It helps them feel like they are there already. They won't be able to stop talking about it. Bringing them on board like this would make the move easier.
Everyone experiences some form of shock when they get into a new place. To help your kids deal with this better and faster, try to retain as many familiar elements of your everyday living as possible. Start with the new home. Can you arrange it the way the old apartment was? You should try it. Ask the kids to help you in setting things up as well.
Besides the home, what about your routine? Do you go for a walk on Saturdays? Definitely retain that. When do you play sports and games? Incorporate that into your new life. The idea is to make the switch less drastic and as smooth as possible.
Kids love adventures when done right. In as much as you keep your kids in mind when making your career and lifestyle choices, they will be willing to go to the ends of the earth with you. With this article, your move should be as smooth as a baby's back.