How to prepare your children when moving to Doha - By: geetika

So, you got that high-profile, high-paying job in Doha and are planning to move to Doha soon. While you are all excited about your new job in the Gulf, have you talked to your family, especially your children, about their preparedness? While moving to Doha or any other country for that matter, it is the most difficult for your children to accept this change. Even if you are going for a short, contract-based job in Doha, chances are that your children will not readily accept this move. Thus, you need to prepare them and convince them to accept this huge change and make the most of it.

If you have younger children, in the age group of below one year to four years, it would be comparatively easier for you to relocate to a foreign country with them. They would be more receptive of the changes and would also adjust well. However, for children in older age groups, it is never easy. They have already made friends at school and otherwise, are set into a routine and have a set attachment about the place of their residence. Having said this, one cannot under-estimate the effect of relocation on younger kids too. They also feel the pangs of change and need to be reassured as much as the older kids.

Thus, you need to prepare them mentally and emotionally to be able to settle down in a new culture and environment. The schooling and teaching methods will also change drastically leading to a lot of stress for children. Also, for children who are pursuing hobbies in their home country, it becomes very difficult to leave those and move to a new place. Parents have to be sensitive towards all these things and help their kids adjust in the new environment rather than just expect them to settle down on their own. There are many things that parents can do to make their children comfortable with the idea of change.

Firstly, tell them honestly and openly that you are going to take up a job in Doha and if possible, locate it on a map or globe for them so that they get an idea of where it exactly is. Also, tell them why it is important for you to make this move. Talk to them about lifestyle in Doha, tell them stories, get them books to read and tell them what to expect in a new culture. Don’t talk much in negative terms but don’t set expectations higher than what they will actually get to witness there.

Also, make sure you tell them that you can understand what they are going through. Your children should be aware that you empathize with them and can feel what they are experiencing. While telling them things about Doha, concentrate on positive things such as better weather, bigger house, more facilities or other such things. Also, while you are leaving the country, throw a small party for friends of your kids and help them bid goodbye properly. This will also help them move on. Tell them that you will keep sending postcards from Doha and will always keep in touch.

When you are planning the move, just confirm the school schedule of the children and as far as possible, try to coincide it with the end of term at school. That way, children will be able to finish their term at school and would not miss studies in between. Also, before moving in, research the education sources and schools in Doha and find out if some international schools in Doha offer the same syllabus as the school in your present country. In any case, carry a copy of school records of the children to Doha so that it can help you apply for a new school in Doha.

While migrating for a job in Doha, there are other things that you may want to take in consideration before moving in. If you have an infant or a toddler, make sure you have a proper record of the child’s immunization with you and carry all the necessary documents with you. If you child is allergic to any medicines, keep a record of that too. All these small but important steps will make your relocation to Doha with your family much easier

Useful links:
http://www.naukrigulf.com/
http://www.naukrigulf.com/jobs-in-doha

About the Author

Geetika Jain writes on behalf of NaukriGulf.com, a leading job portal for jobs in Gulf Region, Jobs in Doha, Middle East jobs. Naukri.com's foray into the Middle East is an Endeavour to provide established client base with services that best meet their international requirements as well as expand our operations on to a global arena.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/geetika/51482

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