Emigrating may be the accomplishment of a long term dream but don't ignore the very real needs of those who have not themselves chosen to change just about everything in their lives.
Children thrive on routine, security and familiarity. Emigrating, "pulls the rug from under their feet" and however motivated and enthused they are about the family’s decision to move, many will have moments of uncertainty.
Preparing Younger Kids And Toddlers For Emigrating
Younger kids tend to be very adaptable and settle into a new environment with relative ease.
- Keep it simple. Look at pictures and DVDs of places of interest. Talk about having fun and trying new things.
- Make sure you take the possessions that mean the most to your children with you. Favorite teddy bears, blankets, DVDs; anything that will give them security, familiarity and comfort needs to be with you from the plane journey onwards.
- When you pack away their possessions, make sure they understand that these are being sent to their new home and that they are keeping them.
Preparing Older Kids For Emigrating
School age children will likely have lots of questions and perhaps a few concerns.
- Early on in the process explain why you are moving; improvements you feel you will have as a family in terms of environment, culture, climate etc. It is important that the children have time to get used to the idea of moving and can raise any questions they may have.
- Be honest and realistic; explain that it will take time for their new country to feel like home and they will miss their friends and family. At the same time, talk about the excitement of changing location, house, school. Look at the things they will gain as well as the people and places they will miss.
- Involve them as much as possible; look at school brochures together, study property rental details with them; let them feel part of the decision.
- If they are not so familiar with the country get lots of books or DVDs and look at them together. It is also worthwhile researching child-centered day trips – get them interested in places to visit; theme parks, places of historical interest, zoos, mountains, lakes, etc. Draw up a wish list of places to visit.
- Encourage them to talk to you about their feelings, both positive and negative. Don’t be dismissive of their concerns and try to think of ways to address them.
- Get them involved with sorting out and packing up. If you are planning to have a garage sale this is an excellent way to utilize their skills. Let them keep the proceeds from their own things and they can then spend this on new toys or treats once they arrive.
- Buy materials to help them learn some of the basics of the language – games, books, DVDs, magazines etc.
- Consider buying something special for each of them to be put in their new room; a picture, lamp, cushion, etc. that can be shipped with your other possessions.
Some kids are enthusiastic about emigrating from the very start, others find the idea of moving away hard to handle. Whatever their initial reaction, rest assured that most kids settle in with relative ease, within a short period of time. When asked hypothetically whether they would like to return ‘back home’, most choose to remain in their adopted homeland.
You chose to move for a reason; give them time and the likelihood is that all those things that persuaded you to emigrate will rub off on your kids.
Be patient, be positive and be prepared; follow the steps above to ease the transition for your kids.
For more articles on emigration, including, 'How To Prepare Teenagers For Emigration' and ‘Helping Kids to Settle in Post Emigration’ see other relevant articles
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