It can be one thing to decide to emigrate as a single or couple, and quite another to take a family of dependants with you to a new country. The last thing you want is a child who is desperately unhappy and makes your time in a new country difficult and strained.
Strategically plan your move
Involving children with the whole process can help them to feel as excited as you. Involve them right from the beginning. Instead of presenting the idea as an irreversible fact, talk to them as if it was still up for discussion.
The grief and stress they feel when faced with major change is just as strong as an adult’s and it is important they know they can be involved in the process. Phrase the topic in maybes, which allows them to talk through their concerns securely without worrying about angering you.
Explore your new home together
Research information about Australia together. Look at real estate websites with them to show them what houses look like in Australia, or give them jobs to find out how much their favourite foods are in Australia.
Most schools have websites so show them how their future school looks. Try not to hard sell the move but allow their natural curiosity to grow into excitement.
If you are not planning to take all your belongings, including some of their toys or books, talk to them about this before doing a sort out. Work out some toys they feel they must have, and ask if they want to give toys to some of their special friends to make sure they are well looked after.
When ready to pack, it may be best to remove them from the house to prevent every last broken plastic toy being declared a treasure. Giving them one box for special toys can help them feel part of the packing process.
Saying goodbye
If your child is going to have an upcoming birthday in Australia, consider letting them have an early birthday party as a going away celebration before they leave their friends.
Make sure they collect email addresses to stay in contact with good friends, and let them dictate how they want to spend their time with close friends.
Goodbye sleepovers at friends’ houses can help you get the space you need to organise your packing.
Make it a fun adventure
It is easier to come into a new school at the beginning of a school term. If you arrive near the end of a term, consider leaving them out of school for a few weeks.
To help them make friends once school begins, encourage your child to invite friends over to your house to play. This can also be a good way for you to get to know other parents.
If you have a preschooler, try a music and movement class to meet other parents.
Don’t forget to talk
Children are naturally adventurous and can become very excited about their new life in Australia. The key is to make sure they are free to talk about how they feel. Feeling homesick is just as normal for children as it is for us, no matter how good the move.
Keeping the communication lines open can prevent behaviour problems down the line.
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