Moving to a new country isn’t something
anyone takes lightly, and it’s probably going to be something you only do once
in your life. If it wasn’t hard enough for people that don’t have children, you
can imagine what it’s like for those who do!
The actual process of moving is more than
likely the hardest part for you and your family. Once in your new home, you can
begin to settle. However, this is often easier said than done. If you’ve moved
your kids with you, how they settle depends a lot on how old they are.
Of course, one of the major reasons many
families move to another country is so they can give their children a better
start in life, and that begins with education. As parents, we would give our
lives for our kids but it’s very easy to forget they have their emotional
issues as well.
For example, if you have teens (and I feel
your pain), I still remember what I was like! They may appear to be putting
barriers up where you think they shouldn’t be. Comments like “I don’t want to
go to school, it’s boring”, or “I’d rather stay indoors and play on the
computer” are probably things you’ve all heard.
However, it’s important you read between
the lines. The first statement could mean they’ve having trouble fitting in,
the second could be they’re embarrassed because they’re finding it hard to fit
in, and don’t have many friends.
These are just two problems you could come
up against, and these are things worth thinking about when you first move. The
family unit needs to be as strong as possible. After all, it’s new for
everyone. Try to organise your move so the kids have time to take in their new
surroundings before the new school term starts. Get the whole family involved
in local activities that are connected to the school they’ll be going to.
It’s much easier for children to make
friends in a social setting, much like adults. It’s rare we find our best
friends through work, rather, we find them through social gatherings and it’s
no different for children.
The trick is to make them feel comfortable
about mixing with the other kids before its time to start school.
If they have
friends already, fitting in isn’t going to be a problem. Another point worth
considering is your children are more than likely going to be a source of
curiosity to the local children, and you should make your kids aware this
should be welcomed, not shunned.
Kids brains are like sponges, and in most
cases, they very quickly adapt to their new surroundings. However, being asked
questions about where they come from, why they moved to their new country and
what they think of it can put them on the spot.
Talk to your children about how they feel,
what they think about why you moved and what they think about their new home.
By doing this, you not only help keep the lines of communication open, you’ll
help them feel more comfortable about answering these questions when asked. It
will also give you an idea of what’s going on in their heads, which is always a
good thing!
Lastly, no matter which country you’ve
moved to, it’s a good idea to get them interested in the local culture and what
the history is. Kids love to explore, and as long as they don’t realise they’re
learning something, they’ll be teaching the local children a thing or two
before you know it! If you’ve chosen to live in France, why not take a look at http://www.theroadahead.co.uk/moving_to_france.aspx for a bit of background information that might help.
