Whether you have been presented with a new job opportunity, or are ready for a drastic change, you may be considering a move abroad. However, when you have a family to take care of, big decisions require extra care and thought. That does not mean that an international movie is impossible; you may just need to take extra precautions.
With that in mind, here is a checklist of things you should do before moving abroad with children!
- Hire an immigration solicitor. This will make the process of obtaining the correct legal documents for the entire family much easier, and increase your chances of getting the right VISAs on your first try.
- Talk to your children about your plans early on. Don’t spring the move on them last minute, as this can cause a great deal of stress and emotional turmoil. Allowing them to be involved in the process can help make the experience less scary and more exciting.
- When talking with your children, don’t focus on what you are leaving behind, as this can cause upset. Instead, talk about everything they will gain from the move, such as new friends and new things to do.
- Boost their excitement about the move by putting together a ‘bucket list’. Write down everything they want to do before the move and try and complete it beforehand. This can help give them closure. You can also write a list of everything they want to do when they arrive!
- Ensure that you have found your dream home ahead of time. This will provide your children with a sense of security, as they have a space of their own, which can fight off any feelings of uncertainty in a new place. It also gives you a chance to update your decor and plan any renovations ahead of time.
- Show your child photographs of the new house, and ask them how they would like to decorate their bedroom. Though the final decisions are up to you, it is important that they are at least a little bit involved in the process.
- Research local schools and educational facilities and contact them to register your interest. This can help your child secure a place at the best school in the area, and means you won’t have to add it to your to-list upon arrival.
- Find out what opportunities there are for your children in your new town or area. For example, will they be able to keep up the same hobbies? Or, what new hobbies and extracurricular activities will they be able to pick up?
- Encourage them to help with the packing, if only putting away their toys. Again, this can provide them with a sense of closure and help them mentally prepare for the move.
- If possible, arrange a visit to your new destination before the move. This means you and your children have a better idea of what to expect, and won’t be left feeling overwhelmed on moving day. Even a short trip will prove to be incredibly beneficial.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash