Moving can be a new and exciting adventure for your children. For the parents, coping with moving means managing so many different pieces, which only increase when you’re moving with school-aged children.
To help with the whole process we’ve put together a guide on things you need to consider when relocating with kids, everything from moving day to finding a suitable school – we’ve got it covered!
Before the move begins …
Get the kids involved in the planning
Encourage the kids 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 – it’s nice to keep some existing rituals going. Your child will get more excited before they arrive and have a firmer idea of what to expect. Family moving should be a group experience.
It’s a family adventure!
It is important for children to say goodbye to their previous home. Engage them in conversation about their thoughts and concerns. Don’t be afraid to mention if you’re also nervous about the move while also emphasising the excitement of a new adventure.
Make it tangible by creating an album of happy memories. You could create a few and give them to friends or family members as a leaving present.
It is worth considering their age here. For younger children you may find story books around the theme of moving day helpful in explaining your upcoming change in home. We recommend The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan & Jan Berenstain as one to check out.
Keep it visual
If your children haven’t yet seen their new home, when visiting the new location, take a camera or video recorder with you when you visit. Take pictures of the new home, the child’s room, the school and parks nearby.
Your children will enjoy looking through the photos and this will get them familiar with the idea of moving. Printing out a map of the area also acquaints them with their surroundings. Show them where they will go to school, their local community and get them to highlight with pens and stickers.
Get creative
Allow your child’s creative flair to take control. If possible at your new residential address think about bringing home paint swatches so that your child can choose the colour of their new room. Let them pick out furniture so they start to look forward to their new place.
Make a treasure box
Give your child their own miniature packing box that can be decorated with stickers, paints and pictures and used for a few of their favourite things. Ensure the box is small enough to place on the plane and travel with them to their new destination.
Planning education
Your children’s education will always be a priority, relocating abroad as a family does not need to derail their progress. However, to make sure you’re making the best choice, it’s worth taking the time to consider your options.
When is the best time to move with children?
If your schedule is flexible enough you’ll want to plan your move around your children’s education. The best time to move that allows your children to have a smooth transition will be if it can coincide with the new school year. This will mean everyone will be starting the year together and they are also likely not to be the only new student. Which will help them fit into their new school environment easier.
Should I choose a local or international school?
This is a vital decision that will decide what education your child will receive.
Local Schools:
If a permanent move or for the duration of your children’s education, you should consider a local school. Younger children can pick up new languages quickly and so should adapt to this environment well. You’ll find that it will help them to make friends, including new family friends and adjust to their new culture easily too.
International Schools:
In most cases by choosing an international school your children can follow the curriculum set out by their home country. For many expatriates, learning English in an international school means their children are able to slip back into school easily if they return to their previous home. There is also the option to take the international baccalaureate programme in years 12 and 13 which is valid across the world. If you might be relocating again while your children are in education this may be the best option for you.
How can I prepare my children for an education abroad?
If it is possible, visit the new school you have chosen with your children. This will help ease them into their new environment. They will be able to meet their future teachers and get a feel for what their new school will be like.
Settling In
If you are moving abroad with children, understand that it can take a while to get settled inot your new location.
The theory generally goes, that the older the child the more likely the move is to pose challenges because they have a stronger connection to their previous home.
Stay calm and collected – the move may well end up being the best choice your family has ever made!
If you would like to know how Crown can support your family for upcoming relocation, click here to find out more, or complete the ‘contact us’ form to get in touch.
