Changing cities for work and taking your partner and children with you Changing cities for work and moving with the family is an increasingly common topic in a world where global mobility is changing rapidly. Just think of the expression "trailing wife", used in the past to describe the wife of an employee who had to move with the whole family; an expression now abandoned thanks to women who get better jobs all over the world and move bringing their spouse or cohabitant with them, with lots of children following, and why not, children acquired in extended families. This drastic change sees more and more women taking on important roles in new cities, especially abroad, with men staying at home with children in their destination, changing what is the traditional concept of motherhood with some cultures who are embracing increasingly clear-cut measures of equality to help women pursue their careers without giving up being mothers by moving with their entire families. What is certain is that when you have children, moving to a new place is not easy, especially if your partner has to sacrifice a career by entering a new role that is much more homely. Keeping the carer and the whole family happy is a significant challenge - we at Crown Relocations are here to help you with it! Helping your partner adjust to their new life For your partner, moving with your family and changing your life may not be easy, especially if they go from a high-level job to taking care of the children at home, managing all the social problems that a move can entail for the little ones. Even if a spouse can afford to work in the new country of destination (abroad you always need to check permits and visas!), it is not always said that this is convenient for the family on an economic level. Childcare is indeed a significant problem. In many destinations, only well-paid executives have the resources to afford dedicated assistance and enable the partner to maintain their career. Otherwise, the two alternative choices that arise are for the partner to stay at home with the children or not to move at all. This is why in some regions we see women in high-level jobs but less often in roles lower down the pay scale. Unless there's more flexibility to take care of the family, moves tend to be only for those with high incomes. Brazil, for example, has attracted many relocations of women because childcare is relatively inexpensive and easily found. In other countries where support is expensive and hard to come by, including Switzerland, lack of childcare can become a barrier. It is important for companies to consider that childcare could be key to a successful transfer, whether the employee is male or female. For many women traveling alone with their children, it is perhaps the most important deciding factor determining whether a move is feasible. Help your children accepting the relocation An international move can be a very stressful and emotionally charged time. When you move house, you move many valuable things, but the greatest value to move is undoubtedly your children. Here are some tips that can help you prepare your children for the upcoming move: Before leaving, pay one last visit to your children's favorite place or places. You can bring your camera with you in order to immortalize the best memories lived there. Encourage your children to exchange home addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses with their friends. Keeping in touch is important! Try to involve the children when you are making plans to move. If possible, take them with you when you visit your new city or when you go to see your new home. This can ease some of their "fears of the unknown." Talking to your children about the move is very important. Encourage them to express their feelings and create an open dialogue explaining why you are moving and what you can do in your new destination. Help your children learn about their new city. Show them photos of places and activities they can do in the new destination. Let your children bring along some of their old, much-loved toys (even if they seem like throwaways). Let them decide how to furnish and decorate their new room. If you can, take the time to clean up your new home and spend as much time with your children as possible. When they start school they will be eager to tell you about their teachers, lessons and all their experiences. Going to a new school can be difficult. Accompany your children to school for the first few days so they feel calmer. Follow their progress closely and don't hesitate to go talk to their teachers. If you are moving to a completely different place (from rural to urban or vice versa), make sure your children know the differences and know what to expect. By following these tips, you can have a serene and peaceful move, accompanying the whole family in this important change that will allow you to take a step forward in your career. And if you want extra help, contact us to receive advice on your move and support for your family in the new destination!