relocating the kids, how it affects them

Having recently seen and heard many stories of parents wanting to move abroad, move state, county, school even, I note how the majority pull out at the last minute to keep the status quo. Why? Because they worry how it will affect the children.

So, as a kid who went through just that at age 15, I felt I'd share my thoughts on the subject.

I grew up on the island of Jersey, 9x5miles dot in the middle of the English Channel. At age 14 my parents told me that we were moving to live in the South of France. Why? Well, I explain fully in my book, Teenager en Provence, but basically it was a now or never moment. They had put off telling me til the last moment, worried how I'd react.

So it happened just at the start of my summer holidays, and I was true to form. No way did I want to go. I had my friends, my school, my hobby (horses), everything that was safe and comfortable to me. The idea of moving to a land that didn't even speak my language was a nightmare.

I hit 15 in the September and a week later we were on the boat, well, at that age I didn't have much choice but go along with my parents.

A lot happened, but there has been many a time over the years since that I have quietly thanked my parents for their determination to live the dream.

The world is an amazing place and it's big. I now have such a positive outlook on seeing new places I can't get enough travel.

People are also so diverse. I have made friends all over the world and enjoy their personalities, their traditions, their way of living.

It gave me confidence. A shy timid creature, there have been times I'd like to have turned around at a door and run, but taking a deep breath and going in with a smile on my face has secured me many opportunities.

Most of all I've learnt to adapt. How to accept a situation and turn it to my advantage. Sure, it doesn't work every time but heck, after what I went through there is no way on earth I'll back down from a challenge.

So, will moving disrupt the kids? Sure it will, just by the very essence of the word move.

Will it bring permanent damage? Of course not, adaption is what children of all ages do best, probably better than adults.

Anyone out there worrying about whether a move will be detrimental to their child - please - just go for it, don't hang back.

Giving them a challenge will make them more confident, more versatile and strong, you'll end up with a better child than when you started.