So, you have made the decision to relocate to Cyprus with your family. You all have an exciting adventure ahead of you which can go more smoothly if planning is in place. An important part of preparation is reassuring all family members that the upheaval of moving country will be kept to a minimum.

The ages of your children, the employment situation of spouses and partners and the feelings of family who will be left behind will all affect how you approach the move. If you have pets, they need to be considered too.
Most young children take everything in their stride but older kids and teenagers have a lot more to lose through moving country. They have their friends, routines, after school jobs and their emotional security all tied up with where they live.

It is important to take the time to acknowledge children's concerns and help them focus on the fun and interesting aspects of their future home. If they haven't been to Cyprus before, spend regular time on-line checking out local social clubs and sports activities to help build enthusiasm. If you already know which school they are going to attend, explore the website with them if there is one. This will all help them to imagine themselves in Cyprus.

Also, arrange a going away party for all of their friends so that they can say goodbye and even shed a few tears. This will help give them closure about everything they are leaving behind. Maybe you are moving as a couple or a single parent. Whatever your situation, don't get so caught up in practicalities that you don't allow yourself time to say goodbye to your life in the UK either. This is very important and will help you look ahead.

Make sure that you are on SKYPE so that family and friends can keep in touch cheaply and establish a regular time to call. Having a plan for your first visit back home is also a good idea. This will give everyone an anchor to home. If you are a couple, do you both have jobs lined up in Cyprus? If only one of you does, is the spouse going to look for work when arriving? As with anywhere these days, jobs don't fall into your lap in Cyprus. Prepare a strategy in case things don't work out as planned right away.

As for pets, start thinking very early on about whether or not you will take them with you. The good news is pets from the UK do not need to go into quarantine in Cyprus but must have an electronic microchip for identity purposes. Another plus is there are dog beaches. On the down side, Cyprus is a Mediterranean country with a very different attitude towards animals compared to the UK. You have to decide if you want to take the risk of taking your loved family pet or having re-homed it in the UK instead.

Remember, moving to a new country is a big adjustment but with a little bit of effort, communication and forward planning, the transition can be a wonderful experience for the family.

Useful websites:
www.cyprus.embassyhomepage.com
www.ukincyprus.fco.gov.uk

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