The UAE is a very transient place. Few expats are here forever and at some point most of us have to move on. However, this can be particularly difficult if you have young children.
It is common for children to feel uncertain and scared during a move. They may not want to voice their concerns, but just like you, they will need to adjust to what is happening around them. They may be very unhappy about having to leave their home and their school and it might be hard for them to accept the fact that they will be leaving their friends and favourite places behind. They might not be able to see themselves coping with a new place and making new friends.
Here are some tips to help your child prepare both emotionally and physically for the big day.
- Break the news to them gently long before your scheduled move so that they have time to get used to the idea.
- Include them in the planning process from day one. This makes them feel like they are part of the decision-making process. This should lessen their uncertainties about what to expect. It also makes them feel a little more in control of the situation.
- Prepare them emotionally. Let them ask questions and answer positively. Help them look forward to the things they would want in their new home, like a bedroom of their own.
- Involve your child when organising their bedroom and packing their books and toys and ask them how they would like their new bedroom to look and what they would need for it.
- If they remember the move to the UAE, remind them of their feelings before they arrived and then point out all the positive memories of living here.
It is important that the whole family is happy about moving on and preparing in this way can help you concentrate more on the other aspects of moving as well as making your kids happy and comfortable about it.