Keeping the family together, even when you’re apart, isn’t easy, but it is vital
Your children may be at university and are used to living away from the family home or have a young family of their own. Either way, older children are more likely to understand your reasons for emigrating from the UK to live abroad. You might even find they’re thrilled with the idea of a holiday home...
If you have children away at school or graduating from university, arrangements for other accommodation will need to be made once you’ve left the UK. It might seem like tough love, but this may help them become more independent and responsible.
Your children may have already flown the family nest or have children of their own, with you becoming the trusted babysitter. Concerned about missing you, reassure your big kids that you’ll keep in touch via email, phone and social media, making use of free video calling and instant messaging services. Why not plan a family reunion in your new home abroad or meet in the middle.
Older children may also be concerned about what would happen if you became ill. Talk through your move right from the very start to put their minds at rest, and reassure them that you’ve considered everything carefully.
It could be that they want to move with you and want your help to find them suitable education or job opportunities. If your children have their own kids, it may do the world of good for the whole family to introduce them to another culture.
The Wilde family moved to Australia when their children were aged 12 and 10.