Relocating With Family: The Journey of Moving Abroad

My First Move: Spain

I remember the excitement I felt when I moved to Spain—everything was new, wonderful, and delicious! The Spanish lifestyle is fantastic. In some ways, it was “easy” to acclimatize, same language same culture. At that time, I did not have children, and I could do whatever I wanted—the world was mine. However, it still took me a year to build a routine and make friends. Looking back, if I had had a coach, things would have gone much quicker!

Now, I have two toddlers, and we are waiting to see what our next destination will be. We often talk with the children about the possibility of living in another country. We play with an earth globe, looking at continents and countries, exploring the animals, geography, climate, and people of different places. When the time comes, we will start discussing the possibilities and opportunities of living abroad. I hope that by engaging them little by little, we will reduce the shock of moving.

Balancing the Needs of the Whole Family

When you move abroad with a family, everything becomes more complex. You are not just managing your own transition but also living with the needs, emotions, and challenges of your spouse and children.

As parents, we often feel responsible for ensuring that everyone is comfortable, settled and happy. This can lead to a heightened sense of responsibility, along with anxiety or stress. We often suppress our own feelings of doubt or sadness to keep morale high for the family. However, not acknowledging these emotions can lead to burnout or feelings of isolation. We need to open ourselves!

The Adjustment Period for Children

One of the major stressors during this phase is helping children adjust. If your children are school-aged, integrating them into a new school system can be tough. They may face language barriers, unfamiliar curricula and the challenge of making new friends.

Children react differently to new environments. Some may adapt quickly, while others may struggle with homesickness or fear of change. Younger children might express their feelings through tantrums or mood swings, while older kids might withdraw or show signs of frustration. It’s essential to create a supportive environment where emotions can be discussed openly.

What Can We Do?

1. Establish a new routine early – Routines provide a sense of normalcy during times of change.
2. Stay connected with support networks – Keep strong relations with friends and family, and join expat communities.
3. Practice open communication – Encourage everyone to express their feelings and concerns.
4. Take care of yourself – Self-care is essential; your well-being impacts the entire family.
5. Make new family traditions – Creating traditions in your new location fosters a sense of belonging.
6. Embrace the new culture gradually – Explore your new environment at a pace that feels comfortable.
7. Involve the family in the process – Let everyone have a say in decisions about the move, decoration of the house, future activities and new traditions.
8. Set realistic expectations – Understand that the transition takes time and effort.
9. Focus on the positives – Highlight the benefits and opportunities that come with the move.
10. Seek professional help if needed – If anyone struggles, do not hesitate to seek out a counselor or coach.

Emotional Growth and Resilience

At the end of this emotional journey, families often find they have grown stronger and more resilient. The shared experience of moving abroad brings the family closer together, as everyone learns to rely on each other for support. Children, especially, benefit from the experience of adapting to a new culture, becoming more flexible and open-minded.

Parents, too, often emerge with a deeper sense of confidence in their ability to handle challenges. Not only have they managed their own transition, but they have also guided their children through difficult adjustments. Moving abroad with a family is not easy, but it is a profound learning experience that strengthens the family unit and helps each member grow emotionally.