Relocating to Australia with children
Are you planning a move to Australia with children? This post is for you!
There are a million checklists a quick Google search will provide you of things to pack, things to plan for, things to buy, things to do on the plane journey etc……this is not what I am writing about! I want to share with you my experience in welcoming many families to Perth throughout 2022.
Adaptability - as parents, we worry endlessly about our children’s resilliance and ability to cope with change. The truth is, they tend to cope better than us adults! Give them time and space and watch them adapt to a new routine, timetable, friendship group and interests. A new city provides a host of options perhaps not on offer previously - their curiosity and learning will be enriched!
Fitting in - if you have school aged children, make sure you have their uniforms purchased ahead of their first day of school. No matter the age, they will want to ‘fit in’ and that often includes looking the same and dressing the same as their peers. Most schools have an online uniform shop that you can purchase ahead of your arrival;
Finding the joy - what is their happy place? Is it bouncing a basketball like they always did ‘back home’? Finding a favourite park close to your new house? Making time to visit the beach and playing in the ocean? Having their favourite set of books on hand so they can re read them? In amongst all the newness, it is important to provide some familiar and favourite past times to help with the transition;
Time - adjusting to a new city, new school, new neighbourhood, all takes time. Don’t put time pressures on yourself or your children, to achieve milestones that aren’t realistic. Try not to rush or have never ending to-do-lists driving your day to day behaviour. Go at their pace wherever possible in those first few weeks;
Find your community - if they are sporty kids, there are a myarid of sporting codes and clubs to choose from in Australia! From ball sports to little athletics, performing arts to swimming, even if they haven’t tried a sport before, this could be the chance to try something new. If sport isn’t there thing, visit your local library and see what community groups or activitiues they offer - coding clubs, chess clubs, reading groups - there is a lot to choose from, you just need to find the right one!
Public transport - out of all the ages, teenagers may find making an international relocation the hardest. Make sure you really listen to them and any challenges they are facing. Being close to public transport so they have some independence can also help.
Have you moved to Perth with children? Share your tips or travelling experience below!
Melissa x
