Moving with kids: essential advice and tips

Moving abroad with children 

Moving abroad with children is rarely straightforward. Alongside practical arrangements, you'll need to prioritise your children's wellbeing. Your kids will likely feel anxious about entering a foreign lifestyle and culture, and moving far from their friends and familiar surroundings.

Therefore, having open conversations as early as possible is essential. Prepare them with details about the new country, from food and climate to local customs and activities, to help spark their curiosity. As a result, they'll feel less fearful about the moving process. 
 
Ahead of the move, connect with expat communities in your new country to gain invaluable tips and advice from people who have made the same move with children. You'll find communities online via Facebook, meetup.com, Reddit, expat.com, and more. From suggesting activities for kids and advising on culture shock, school applications and visa issues, such networks give your family a sense of belonging from the start. 
 
Ensure the competent authority in the country where your child's birth certificate was issued has it officially apostilled, as some countries require this for school enrolment, visa applications, and other official procedures. Over 120 countries (including most of Europe, the US, Australia, India, and Japan) accept a birth certificate with an apostille as valid without further legalisation. 
 
If possible, avoid selling your current home for at least six months after your move abroad. This allows your family to fully settle into their new surroundings whilst knowing there is a home to return to if things don't work out. 

Moving to a new house with a toddler 

Moving to a new house with a toddler is demanding, since young children crave routine and familiarity. The process can significantly disrupt daily patterns, leading to anxiety for your little ones. 
 
Top tip: create a simple, fun song about moving to your new home and sing it with your toddler. It can build excitement and make the move feel like an adventure! 
 
Talk your tot through each step as it happens so they feel included, and highlight the enjoyable changes awaiting them, such as a bigger garden or bedroom, local play parks, and new friends. 
 
Ease the transition by sticking to consistent meals and sleep times, even during the move. Pack your toddlers' toys and most-loved belongings last and unpack them first to avoid frustration. Let them have their most cherished item during the move, such as a teddy bear or comfort blanket, to keep them calm and occupied. 
 
Ask family or friends to watch your youngsters on moving day. A lot will be happening, and the upheaval could overwhelm them. This also gives you space to focus on managing a successful move. 
  
Toddlers love nothing more than to explore. Let them gradually discover your new home, roaming from room to room once everything is unpacked. Patience is crucial, as children may take time to adapt fully. They'll soon adjust to their new surroundings with gentle reassurance, familiarity, and close attention to their needs. 

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Things to consider when relocating your family

Start by researching schools in your new country as soon as possible to understand the application process and requirements, including eligibility, language requirements, necessary documentation, entrance exams, interviews, tuition fees, and waiting lists. It's also an opportunity to compare multiple schools to ensure the best fit for your child's future. 
 
For a smooth transition, take time to understand how your child's current curriculum aligns with the new one and how exams or qualifications may transfer. If needed, consider language tutoring. 
 
Look into how your kids will travel to school and their activities, whether it's public transport, walking routes, or school buses. Consider whether they are old enough to travel independently or will need support. Also, register with a local doctor or paediatrician to transfer medical records, vaccination history, and prescriptions. 
 
Explore the new neighbourhood to assess the safety of the parks, playgrounds, and other child-friendly facilities. Finally, note the local police and fire station numbers and the address of the nearest hospital and create a plan for emergencies or illness. 

Worst age to move a child 

The worst age to move a child varies, as it can be challenging for toddlers up to late teens. Certain ages, however, find it more difficult than others. Kids between 10 and 14 often experience the process of moving the hardest. At this stage, friendships inside and outside of school play a central role in their development, and leaving behind a familiar social circle is often overwhelming. Children around this age need as much support as possible while transitioning to young adulthood, balancing education, friendships, and self-discovery. 
 
Parents and guardians can support their kids in several ways: 

• Maintain communication: allow kids to openly express their worries, hopes, and fears about the move. 
• Keep your kids updated: let them know what's happening and allow them to influence decisions about their new home or school. 
• Help them stay in touch with old friends: encourage contact via emails, letters, phone calls, online games, and video chats. 
• Motivate them to meet their peers: suggest activities and projects in the local community where they can casually make new friends. 
• Maintain routines: keeping familiar daily schedules around meals, homework, and bedtime provides stability. 
• Offer reassurance: remind them that it's normal to feel nervous or sad and that you're there to support them.