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Will my children settle? - (Aus. Outlook, 04) I frequently receive enquiries from parents regarding how their children will settle after migrating. Alongside employment, it’s generally the biggest concern for families. After all, we tend to migrate for lifestyle improvements and to give our children more opportunities for the future. In researching this article, Lesley and I related our own personal experiences; consulted with schoolteachers and other migrant families, with children whose ages range from 9 months to 19 years. If relocating during the pre school years, it’s of little consequence to have a change of environment. The older the child the more anxieties they may harbour with migrating. However, even in their teens, children seem highly adaptable and are generally welcomed into Australia, with its excellent education system and sports mad culture. Of course there may be some subtle differences to contend with and even the odd mimicking of the English accent. This is seldom meant with ill intent and should be considered as little more than endearment. Parents attitude to migrating will have a profound effect on their child. For instance, negativity and using expressions such as "when we were back home" may result in feelings of not belonging to Australia, thus creating anxiety and a sense of inability to settle. Negativity will also prolong the time it takes your child to make friends; this is because some effort is required to integrate and socialise with fellow classmates and peers. However, if the child is positive and ready to assimilate into the community then this will come almost naturally. As parent’s, we are our children’s role models; our attitude to life in Australia, as well as our ability to assimilate will determine how quickly our children settle. Parents may also help their children’s settling in process by making an effort to become involved with any new activities at school, sport or perhaps a social event. There is nothing better than socialising with other parents whilst your child interacts at a sporting event or school fete. Don’t forget this is also a great way for new migrants to meet other parents and develop a social circle. Our own personal experiences are as follows; on arrival in Australia, we lived in Perth for nearly 2 years, then a similar period in Melbourne, before finally relocating to Brisbane where we are now happy and settled. Our children adapted well on each relocation and came to Brisbane whilst in their mid teens. As with previous relocations they quickly developed a social circle. Whilst you will have some concerns on how well your child will settle, do maintain a positive attitude. A good outlook to this wonderful new adventure will have your children thinking the same way. |