Planning a move across the country with little ones can be stressful and overwhelming, but planning a move overseas is even more daunting.
As soon as there is even a strong possibility of you moving, you must start planning.
There is so much to do and plan that it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important – which is how to best prepare your kids for the move and the upcoming changes.
No amount of online research can fully equip you or your children for such a life-changing event, but it can certainly help. Leaving behind everything that feels familiar is not easy, but nothing worth working towards is.
Table of Contents
Communication
While, ultimately, the decision is not in their hands, and you might not want to make it seem like they have a choice, communication is key in this situation.
Depending on the ages of your children, you might be met with a brick wall of resistance. Resistance is normal; it is human nature to be averse to change.
If you are worried that it is too early to share details, especially if some of those are still up in the air, play it by ear because you know your children better than anyone else.
The older the child, the more time you will need to give them to wrap their heads around it.
Create a Safe Space
During this journey, you and your family will experience a range of emotions, and while your children might be too young to fully understand the extent of what this move means for them, they will feel the fear and uncertainty of change, and you must not ignore that.
As a parent, your instinct to protect your children and shield them from anything bad might have you tempted to only highlight the positive aspects of an international relocation – which is a mistake.
Discuss and involve your children in every aspect of this change, and provide them with a safe space to vent, and express their feelings openly so they can grow up to be independent and confident.
Insurance
Any person traveling or relocating abroad should have insurance, but for families with children, it should not be negotiable.
You have enough to worry about as a parent; you do not need anything else on your shoulders – least of all the health and safety of your family hanging in the balance.
Insurance will give you the peace of mind you need by knowing your family’s health, travel expenses, and belongings are all protected while you are living abroad.
US health insurance is typically not valid internationally, and even when it is, you have to pay out-of-pocket and reclaim it later. Research and find the best global travel insurance package for your family’s needs.
Depending on the package you select, you can even replace lost luggage!
Research Together
The internet is a marvelous tool for your exact situation.
Scour the internet together for information about your future location.
Find photos, videos, and detailed information about what to expect. Focus on areas relevant to your children’s interests and needs, such as schools, parks, sports teams, and malls.
Find out where they can continue their favorite hobbies in the new country or pick up new ones.
By researching your new country together, you help them feel less anxious about the move and create a positive experience for the entire family.
Health and Safety
Flight Activities
One of the things likely at the top of your list of concerns as a parent is how to make a long-haul flight less stressful for both you and your kids.
Prioritize direct flights, choose seats with extra wiggle room - and pack plenty of engaging activities and snacks.
If your children are still little, choose snacks that are mess-free and easy to eat, such as cheese and crackers, fruit rollups, and dry cereal. The ideal selection will include a mix of textures and flavors, and be nutritious.
On the activities front, pack a mix of age-appropriate and quietly engaging activities – and do not forget to include headphones!
If possible, schedule your flights around nap times to maintain that routine.
Maintain Routines
As a parent, you have probably realized the importance of consistency when raising kids. Consistency is what stops the feral from surfacing.
Maintain consistency and routines when moving abroad to keep your children as calm as possible. Stick to mealtimes and bedtimes, and keep them doing familiar activities.
While an international move is going to obliterate comfort zones for everyone, there is a balance you can achieve as a parent. Even amidst the chaos of a move of this magnitude, your children need a sense of stability and security.
Conclusion
Relocating overseas with children is not a decision to be made lightly, and it will not be a glamorous process – but following the above tips will help.
Be patient with your kids and yourself, you are navigating new waters, and as long as you do it together, everything will be okay.