Move to Australia with your family? You’re in for an adventure. But it’s not the kind of adventure you want to rush into without making sure all your bases are covered first. Moving to a new country and culture is a big deal for children, especially if they’re still very young. So take some time and do your research before moving to Australia so that both you and your kids can enjoy the experience as much as possible.
Find a kindergarten
When moving to Australia with your kids, one of the most important things you’ll need to do is find a kindergarten in the area you’ll be moving to. For example, if you’re moving to Cranebrook, you might want to look for a kindergarten in Cranebrook beforehand. Kindergarten is compulsory in Australia and it can be one of the most enjoyable experiences for your child. It’s not free but it is affordable.
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- You will get to meet other families who are new in town and make friends with them that can last for years.
- You will learn about Australian culture through music, songs, books, and playtime activities at kindergarten.
- Your child will learn basic skills such as counting and reading so they are prepared when starting school at an early age (most schools start at 5 years old).
Get your kids tutors
One of the best things you can do for your children is to hire a tutor. Even if your child is only 8 years old, having someone to help them with their homework and prepare them for school will make a big difference in their performance when they start studying.
You can find tutors online by simply typing “maths tutor in Central Coast” (change them to any subject or city) in a trusted tutor on-demand website, or through word-of-mouth, but you must choose one who knows how to work with kids from different backgrounds. Your child’s tutor should be able-bodied and understand Australian culture well enough so that they can help your child adjust to life here. Tutoring also gives them valuable English skills which will make it easier for them at school and among their friends later on down the road too!
See a psychologist
If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or concerned about your children’s well-being, it is important to get help as soon as possible. Your pediatric psychologist can provide evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy that will help you adjust to life in Australia. You will also be able to talk through any issues that may have arisen since moving here.
If you are having trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating on everyday tasks because of what has happened in your life recently then see your doctor who will be able to prescribe medication or refer you for counseling if necessary.
Find out about school placement
You will soon discover that some schools are better than others and that some are very good at helping children with special needs. Ask about their academic record and how they help students who have learning disabilities. Are there extracurricular activities? Is there a school band or choir? How big is the school, in terms of the student population? How many teachers are there per student? What’s the discipline policy like at this particular institution? These will all be important factors when you’re deciding where your child will be enrolled for the year.
If you’re moving to Australia from another country, you may want to take this opportunity to enroll your kids in an international school so they can pick up their native language again while making new friends who speak English (or whatever language they speak). International schools offer both primary and secondary education; however, it may not always be possible for you as parents to attend classes with them due to work commitments or other obligations outside of home life.
Research childcare costs and availability
Find out what kind of care you want, how much it costs, and how often you can use it. Do an online search for “[name of city] childcare” or “[name of state] childcare”. If no results come up, look in Google Local. You can also call local daycares to ask about their rates and availability.
Check whether your children need vaccinations or boosters before leaving home
To find out whether your child needs vaccinations or boosters, you can contact the health department in their home state. The Australian Centre for Disease Control also has information on vaccines that are required before traveling to Australia.
Some vaccinations will be needed if your child has never been vaccinated against certain diseases before. These are called primary immunizations and include:
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- diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
- hepatitis B vaccine
You can get these from your doctor or at a local pharmacy.
Research housing
Research housing, local amenities, and the cost of living in Australia before you move.
The best way to research housing options is to visit the area in person. This can be done by taking a trip down under or using online tools such as Google Maps or Street View. You can also visit real estate agents to get a sense of what’s available in the area, but be aware that these agents may push certain properties over others for their benefit.
Conclusion
Moving to another country with your family is a big life change and can be stressful. But if you take the time to prepare and research, it will make your transition much smoother. You’ll also have an easier time adjusting to a new environment when everyone feels prepared for what lies ahead.
