Overseas Relocation with Kids

We found out that we are relocating overseas on a cold December. Although this was going to be our second posting, we still had the same feelings of excitement, fear, and anticipation like we had before our first posting.

However this time our kids were older, two of them were going to school, and had a very active social life.

How are we going to tell them that we are relocating overseas? How would they respond? Do we wait until the last moment? How do we help them to accept the news? How do we deal with our third culture kids?

Overseas relocation with kids is not an easy task. Even so, if you are well informed and thoroughly prepared you and your kids can grow and learn from this experience.

Why Overseas Reloction with Kids is Challenging?

Home is were kids feel comfortable and secure. It is where they have their family, school, and friends. This is where they picked up their language skills and cultural codes. Many of them are still in the process of learning how to socialize effectively, and of gaining a sense of control.

For kids moving abroad is like cutting the umbilical cord. In the middle of the learning process they will have to start over: Seek new friends, get used to a new home, neighborhood, school, country, learn a new language and adjust to new cultural codes.

Overseas relocation with kids is hard on you as a parent; not only are you busy with all the errands, you are also going through a roller coaster of emotions; excitement, fear, sadness. All this take a toll on energy and attention which can cause to short temper and chaos in the house, and affect your ability to assist your kids.

Overseas Relocation with Kids - Important Things to Remember

• Kids might rebel - This is their way of gaining some influence in a situation they can not control.

• Your kid will have mixed emotions - One day your child may be thrilled and excited, then blue and depressed the next.

• Reactions from children will vary depending on their developmental age - Moving with toddlers is not like moving with pre-teens or moving with teens and some might wonder if abroad relocation and adolescents "go" together?

• Kids vary in personality - This influence the time a child may take to adjust to the move. Some children are naturally outgoing and will be able to make friends immediately while for some other children it may take months. In the following article there are some tips about how to help teenage expat to cope with the challenges of life abroad.
• Special needs children - If your child has special needs, it is most importnat to check what are the education options and resources in the new location. For a better understanding how to prepare I would strongly recommend to read the interview with Rebecca Grappo, M.Ed.s, an international educational consultant .

Being aware of the difficulties when you are preparing for overseas relocation with kids, and following some tips can create a positive experience for you and your kids.

Overseas Relocation with Kids - Advice for Kids of all Ages

• Tell your kids about the move as soon as possible - Explain them why you are relocating overseas, but don't think you have to provide all the details right away. Give them some time to digest the news, and to think about it.

• Communicate with your kids all the time - Let your kids feel that they can ask you everything, answer all their questions and concerns with as many details as you can provide. Be honest and open, this will help your kids to feel confident.

• Be positive about the overseas relocation - Tell them about the new experiences and opportunities they can encounter in the new country. Your kids can feel you. If you are optimistic and positive about the expatriate adventure, then your children are more likely to feel the same way.

• Let your kids know they can help with the moving and relocating tasks - children should be involved in packing and unpacking their own room. You can ask them to prepare a special moving box and to include all those essentials they might need during the move. Upon arrival to the new country ask them to be responsible for arranging their new room.

• Help your kids plan their goodbyes - Some would prefer having a party others might want to have a few friends over. Help them to exchange gifts, e-mails, phone numbers, address books etc'.

• At the destination country explore the new place - Take them to see the new school, or kindergarten. Show them around the neighborhood. find out where is the shopping center, parks, etc.

Overseas Relocation with kids. Suggestions for fun activities

To make overseas relocation with kids fun, relaxing and even educating I collected some activities ideas for kids. You can choose from the list below whatever might interest your kid, and is appropriate for his/her age.

Kids Coloring Pages

If your kid likes to color, he/she will enjoy this activity,
and you will get some free time to concentrate on the relocating abroad tasks.

This is also a great activity for your kid to do on the plane.

There are many websites that offer free coloring pages.

Coin Collecting for Kids

You can use this hobby to explain your kids about the currency of your destination country, and the value of money.

Our kids were fascinated to learn that they can buy much more staff in the currency of our destination country.

Airplanes Activities

Most of you will be flying by airplane to the destination country. For many kids this will be their first ever flight.

Why not use this opportunity to educate your kids about the history of flight, and even build some plane models?

Cameras for Kids

Photography is a great way to get your kids involved in the relocating abroad adventure.

What's better than letting your kids take pictures of friends, family and school?

Or how about taking pictures at the destination country and sending them back home?

What a great way to keep in touch

Scrapbooking for Kids

Another fun activity for collecting memories is scrapbooking.

You can either do it as a family activity, or let your kids' scrapbook by themselves or with friends.

Language Games

Hangman, scrabble, crosswords, and more are fun games and are an excellent way to practice your kids vocabulary in the new language.

There are some great language learning softwares that your kids might enjoy like kid speaks Spanish.

Electronics for Kids

Children are becoming tech-savvy from a younger age, and the market offers a wide variety of electronics for kids; from leapfrogs products to MP3 players, game boys, and I Pods.

Many of the electronics are educational, small, easy to carry and offers hours of great activities for your kids.

Journals

Some kids might find out that keeping a journal helps them deal with the challenges of relocating overseas.

It is where they can openly express all their feelings, without the worry of offending anyone or being judged.

Origami for Kids

This is a great and educating craft to do with kids, especially when you are in transit.

All you need is papers, scissors, coloring pencils and an origami instructions book.

Trivia for kids

An excellent activity for families in transit.

You can play it everywhere, and at the same time your kids are being educated.

Books for Kids

Many books about moving overseas offers suggestions for families and kids how to deal with the transit.

Some books are interactive and leave space for coloring, writing, pasting and more activities.

It is important to choose a book according to your kid's age.

Geography for Kids

What can be more appropriate than teaching your kids some geography?

Show them where your destination country is located. How far is it from your own country? What is the climate?

Audio Books for Kids

Digital audio books are so much fun.

You can choose with your kid their favorite story and download it to their MP3, Ipod, computer or any other wirless mobile device.

Even if your kid is not an avid reader , he will enjoy the spoken audio experience.

There are many fun and educational games to choose from.

Need some more ideas for kids activities?

At activities for kids you can find tons of great suggestions.

You can introduce your kids to Denizen - Online magazine for TCK's.

Overseas Relocation with Kids - Additional Suggestions

Cell Phones for Kids

Some kids might feel anxiety on the first weeks at their new school. Providing them with a cell phone can help reduce the level of anxiety. They can call you whenever they feel lonely or need to hear a familiar voice and some comforting words.

However, before you decide to buy a cell phone it is important that you check the school policy about carrying a cell phone during school hours.

Kids Luggage

Very soon your kids will be left with no room of their own. It will take a while until they settle in their new room at the new country.

The carry on luggage will be their only room for a while.

So how about involving your kids in choosing their own luggage?

This will give them a sense of privacy and control.