Moving with Children

The needs and concerns of children faced with a moving home vary greatly depending on their age and the destination of the move. With older children and teenagers, psychological and emotional needs are the priority, whereas babies and toddlers have more basic requirements such as physical comfort during the transition. Young children generally feel safe and comforted as long as they are in the presence of their parents, however a major worry for them is being left behind. It is therefore important that no matter what the age of your child, you communicate with them about the move clearly and effectively. Moving your home, leave alone moving to another country and culture, must not come as a surprise and you should introduce the subject as early as possible.
As a parent, your role is to encourage communication, providing comfort and emotional support. Your children may experience a whole range of emotions including; anger, sadness, relief and excitement. You will need to help them through this emotional battlefield and allow them to express their fears and concerns openly. It can be beneficial to hold regular family meetings where you all discuss your feelings, questions and worries. Once a child feels respected and listened to they become more open to discussing the positive aspects of the move.

General Hints for Moving Home with Children:

• Encourage children to learn about the new country in advance (this will assist your knowledge at the same time).
• Provide children of all ages with a special address book and stationary for keeping up with old friends.
• Email provides a cheap method of maintaining daily contact with friends.
• Take video and photos of the new home and area if your children are unable to see them before the move.
• Arrange to visit new schools and meet teachers before the actual first day of school.
• Explore your new area with the whole family as soon as possible.

Young Children

A key factor in ensuring a smooth transition for the whole family will be the initial reactions of each child. When you introduce the subject of moving to a new home you should be as informative as possible and explain why you feel the move will be of benefit to the entire family, not just the working parent. With younger children, it is best to keep things light hearted and fun, as they will want to know things like how their toys and furniture will be transported from one place to the other. Acting out the process with these toys help them to relate to what will be happening. Books and games are another good way to help your children express their feelings and concerns. If your child has special needs, it is important that they understand any variations in how their needs will be addressed.

Hints:

• Provide the needed reassurance, stability and security.
• Show them the destination on a map; this helps them become familiar with where they are going.
• Books and games are a useful tool for explaining the move process.
• Give them things they can do to feel involved, such as sorting through belongings for outgrown toys and clothes and placing items into boxes.
• Help them feel involved on move day by allowing them to pack their flight bag, selecting the books, toys and snacks they would like to take.

Teenagers

Teenagers will face more complex issues about moving to a new country. During adolescence, teenagers are seeking validation and approval, this is often achieved within friendship groups. Leaving their friends, changing schools, giving up coveted sports positions and various hard-earned opportunities will seem a daunting prospect. Although they will understand the idea of belonging somewhere other than where they are presently living, they may not have the skills to accept the idea of moving easily. They may have concerns about their capability to adjust to a new culture, fear of the unknown may leave them feeling insecure, unconfident and experience anxiety.

Hints:

• Be respectful of their emotional needs.
• Be clear about the benefits to the whole family.
• Anticipate some of the concerns that may arise and have responses prepared.
• Encourage open communication and honesty.
• Encourage them to keep a diary; this is a non-confrontational way for them to work through their concerns.
• Subscribe to magazines or hometown newspapers that have youth contact.
• Suggest exchange visits with friends.