Emigrating with family: what to do if a child doesn’t want to move

New surroundings, new school, new friends – emigration can be a daunting prospect for children. Two experts share their tips. You dream of a pleasant climate, a new culture, surfing every day or a highly attractive career move. Your daughter, on the other hand, is crying bitter tears. You may be looking forward to your new life abroad, but she may not feel the same way. In our Guide to Moving Abroad you will find further tips for emigrating from Switzerland and the life abroad. Emigration is usually an exciting new chapter for parents, but it can be a big problem for children at first. These 13 steps may help when emigrating with children in tow: 1. Involve everyone in the decision “Call a family meeting,” recommends Claudia Doron, a professional relocation coach. It is important to include the children in the process right from the start, she says, even if the decision cannot always be made together for various reasons, “after all, a new chapter in a distant place impacts everyone”.