Benefits and challenges of moving abroad with your children

Posted by Elling Håmsø on 26. 00. 2018
Elling Håmsø
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When thinking about moving to a foreign country with your family there are many pros and cons to consider. We have set out some positive and negative impacts moving abroad can have on your children.

One of the main reasons for moving abroad is to make life better for your family

Having a job that suits you better than the previous one is already a plus for you and your family since your well-being and satisfaction affect all your family members. If you feel comfortable in a particular environment, so will your children.

Finding a better work-life balance is one of the popular reasons to move, and more than half of expats worldwide say that they have indeed found it in their host country. Healthy work-life balance enables you to spend more time with your family and thus strengthen the relationship with your children. With a fair share of free time you can reduce the omnipresent stress of the modern-day society.

Moving abroad with children

With moving abroad, you give your children an opportunity to enrich their lives.

Most children will benefit from the move in the long run. The new knowledge and abilities will help them thrive on during their later studies and career, as well as in life.

They will:

  • be more adaptable to new situations and they will be able to integrate in any new environment with confidence;
  • appreciate and accept the diversity of different societies and people and be more open-minded and sensitive;
  • develop better communication skills after overcoming the language barrier.

We’re happy that Norway – the home country of Håmsø Patent & Trademark Attorneys – is among the best countries to raise children in and that our expat employees can enjoy their family lives here. Find out why in our free ebook 'Life and Work in Norway'.

 

 

 

While moving to a different country has multiple benefits, it’s not always that simple.

While most children adjust more quickly than their parents, some face difficulties in getting used to the new environment. According to expat parents, the most common challenges are:

  • missing family members and friends that stayed behind
  • making new friends
  • accommodating to a new school.

These are indeed very serious concerns.

What can you do to help your children settle in the new country? 

1. Prepare them for leaving things behind

To help your children get used to the fact of leaving the world as they knew it, discuss the move in advance. Explain to them why you are moving, where to and when. This way they will have enough time to get used to the notion of leaving familiar people and places behind.

Organise farewell parties and give them a chance to have a proper goodbye. After settling in, make sure to keep in touch with dear ones back home through social media or other means of communication.

Moving abroad with children

2. Help them get comfortable with the new language

A new country means a new language. Children usually do not have too much trouble with overcoming this barrier; they are much better than adults at picking up new languages.

Still, you can help them become comfortable with the new language as fast as possible.

  • Consider the option of a language course for older children before moving.
  • Learn the basic phrases together. You can make it fun by singing songs and watching cartoons in the new language.
  • Consider international schools, they might help the youngsters to befriend children from similar backgrounds and thus make them feel more confident and more at home.  

3. Introduce them to the new culture

Being thrown into unfamiliar environment, new culture, different societal norms and expectations can be scary to adults, let alone children. Ease this transition by celebrating old traditions while embracing new ones. Encourage your children to join various extracurricular activities that will help them boost their confidence, meet new friends and adjust more quickly.

Above all, moving abroad is an exciting adventure, especially when you manage to teach your children to see obstacles as challenges and how to have fun with finding solutions.

Learning ahead about various aspects of life in the new country and anticipating the possible challenges you are already half way of making your relocation an enjoyable experience for the entire family.

download ebook Life and Work in Norway

Tags: moving abroad, moving with family, family life

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