Your experience of migrating with pre-teen children?

[hope2]

Hi all

I was wondering if anyone can share their story of how things have gone migrating with pre-teen children. We are a family of 4, two girls - 1 and 12 years old. We've just lodged our application, but I'm feeling the guilt as our 12 year old is so happy here and does not want to go atall. Her biggest anxiety is starting a new school with no friends and I fully sympathise, it will be hard. We are planning on heading to SA and base around Adelaide.

If any of you could share your experiences of migrating with older children, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your time!

Hi

I came here 6 months ago with 2 boys 13 & 17. 13 year old up for it loves it & school made lots of friends. 17 year old nightmare didnt want to come pratically had to drag him on the plane (girlfriend) so much so he & my hubby left 2 weeks before us just to get him out the country NIGHTMARE. He got here hated it for the first 2 months wanted to go home etc then complete turn around met new friends 6 months in now having a ball never see him lol. Your daughter will be worried as you know but once she makes friends she will be fine hard I know.

Janette

[judith1967]

Hi, Just wondering what your 17 year old is doing now as I am hoping that my 17 year old son will join me when he finishes college in July 2009. Not sure about apprenticeship route. He hopes he will have a Btec in computer engineering at the end of college. I plan to go Jan 2009

[hope2]

Hi Janette

Glad to hear the whole family's settled now. I think you're right, if my daughter finds friends quickly - she'll settle quickly. Her whole life is based around her friends here, so it'll be really important to find some friends in Aus to help her settle quickly.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. All the best!

Originally Posted by judith1967

Hi, Just wondering what your 17 year old is doing now as I am hoping that my 17 year old son will join me when he finishes college in July 2009. Not sure about apprenticeship route. He hopes he will have a Btec in computer engineering at the end of college. I plan to go Jan 2009

Hi Judith

He is working part time at the moment all 457 visa will allow (has to still be a dependent) until we get perm visa. Then he is going to TAFE or Uni when he makes his mind up

He was too old for school so a P/Time job was good for him to make friends.

Janette

[Tyke]

We moved out when Little Tyke was 10,she always looked forward to the move and "Big Adventure"

She is 18 now and a full blown Aussie.Very settled here and would not go back (apart from a holiday paid for by Mum and Dad)