Schools, playgroups, and tips
Relocating can be tough on parents, but the transition is often harder on kids. Whether you’re migrating with a teen in tow or littlies who have just started preschool, we’re here with nifty (and totally achievable) tips.
School First
Ok, your biggest nightmare won’t even happen with our handy lists on how to choose the right preschool and how to choose the right primary and secondary schools. From world-class facilities to an impressive extra-curricular activities programme, we know it all!
Helpful Tips
Communication is completely necessary, so explain to the kids why you’re moving, when you’re packing up, and prep them on how to say goodbye.
Get kids involved in the move. Packing them up for a first look isn’t the easiest thing, so take pictures of the new home and get their feedback on it. Getting them involved in the packing process also helps to psychologically prep them, so let them pack and label a few of their own boxes.
Forget farewell parties. Instead, throw a “see you soon” shindig so kids won’t feel like they’re severing old friendships.
To ease the stress of relocating, use a moving company to help you scope the best of Singapore. SIR Move Services offers a MOVEDETOX programme that offers immediate assistance to families who have just moved to Singapore. These experts can help you with everything from school hunting to arranging activities for the kids.
Post-migration communication is vital – especially if your kid is going into a new school! Listen and assess how you can help them cope with the move accordingly. If you are moving before the start of a school year, see if you can get your kid involved in any extra curricular activities before the academic year begins. That gives kids time to form new friendships among a smaller group of students before immersing themselves in a wholly different environment.
Keeping in touch with friends and family left behind is also important for kids as it helps ease them into a new and unfamiliar place. Letting them decorate their room with pictures of familiar faces helps, as does sending regular emails and setting up Skype sessions. For older children, consider getting them their own handheld device for them to Skype conveniently with their friends.
Play tourist in your new home. Visit tourist attractions together, lunch at our favourite kid-friendly lunch spots, or settle in by joining a playgroup.
This article was sponsored by SIR Move Services.