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f you’re a family perpetually on the move, then you probably know a thing or two about stress. Due to the fast pace of our lives, we seldom have time to close certain chapters. We get on a plane and, within hours of departing one culture, we land in another. We fnd new homes, establish new routines and hire new helpers, quickly bringing them into the fold as quasi-family members. We start all over again. But as we Skype, Tweet and blog ourselves around the world, we need to take time out to understand the challenges and emotions we – and our children – face during the move. Understanding the process and talking about it can help strengthen everyone’s resilience and, by doing so, make a signifcant and positive change in the peripatetic life.

Get over it

As an international relocations consultant and author, I am often asked about the psychological challenges one faces when relocating to another country. To me, the biggest challenge always seems to be to give up the stereotypes that you already have about the new location and to be able to genuinely understand it for what it is. There are plenty of news and travel stories about destinations around the world, Hong Kong included, but they typically focus on the best of the best (ideal vacation spots, for example) or the worst of the worst (places to avoid because of high crime rates, for example). There is seldom any reality check on what is normal for that area, most of which wouldn’t be very interesting to people watching from afar. So, when you land, you have lots of information about your new location, but you don’t have the full picture; you don’t have a balanced understanding of that city or the lifestyle you will be living. Hong Kong is a perfect example of needing to let go of stereotypes: few of us experience, on a daily basis, what TV programmes choose to feature about our home. Not every day is full of bustling noodle shops and neon signs. We don’t all spend every day in a skyscraper trading stocks, or wearing

cheongsams while drinking tea. At frst glance, there would be little for kids and families to do here, what with stories of packed streets, pollution and perpetual concrete. However, those who live here know that the only thing you’ll fnd yourself short of is time, because there are so many events, attractions, parks, hiking trails, playrooms and more. Letting go of the stereotypes, embracing “what is”, and getting on with real life will be key in a successful transition.

International relocations – especially mid-term moves – can be tough on the whole family. Prepare yours for the most positive experience possible, writes Julia Simens .

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