Emigrating with a infant/toddler?

pawprinter

Do you think it's a good idea to emigrate with an infant/toddler?

I don't have any children at the moment and am defnitely looking to emigrate soon. But, by the time I emigrate and settle down into the country/new job/home it will be a good 5-6 years before having children - and by then I'll be into my mid 30's. Bearing in mind that me and my partner want 2-3 kids. I just don't like the idea of being in my 50's when my youngest child will be about 10!

So we've discussed having a child now before emigrating....which means that by the time we're emigrating my first child will be about 1-2 years old.

I'm just looking for some friendly advice. My friend reckons that having a child will worsen our chances of getting into Australia (we're married professionals in jobs that Aus are looking for) but not only that, it will be extremely stressful and difficult moving countries with a young infant. They think we should wait the 5-6years.

I thought that when I get to Aus and start my job, my first child will be the right age to go to creche while I work?

What do you guys think? Anyone have any experience of emigrating with young children?

Thanks

(I posted this in Discussion board but thought it's better here? Mods please move if need to)

ailuro2

Our friends moved to Oz when their kids were 11, just done a year at High school, 8, halfway through primary school, and 2 years. They got in no probs because she was a nurse, he didn't have a trade or profession.

They are loving it. Very laid back lifestyle, it suits them immensely. They've been away for about three years now, I doubt they'll ever come back.

Good Luck to you.

conradmum

I don't think having or not having children affects your chances of being accepted as an emigrant. (Could be wrong on that.)
From a practical perspective the only downside is the flight, which is hard with a toddler who doesn't understand they can't get down and move around when they want to. Otherwise I would advise anyone with children to emigrate while they're as young as possible as it impacts the children more the older they are. In my experience children up to the end of primary school age are fairly 'portable' and the younger the better.
Childcare and creches in Australia are more prevalent than here, and a long time ago there was a government subsidy for your fees - don't know if this is still available.
Practically the move will be a bit more difficult, but I think this is a short term problem. The point you make about starting your family now rather than later outweighs this.

fratty

We moved to Australia when DD was 16 weeks old! Yes, it is hard being away from family, but it is definitely do-able!!! :-)

To be honest Australia is really struggling with an ageing population at the moment - there aren't the maternity provisions over there that there are here and most couples are waiting well into their late 30's before thinking about a family, if at all.... to that end, their population is disproportionately old and is starting to be a bit of a political (and social) headache.

To counteract this they are actively encouraging young families, so I don't think your friend is correct in saying that it will worsen your chances of getting in to Australia - if anything it would help them!!

There are a lot more childcare places there than here too - pretty pricey, but i guess that is true of everywhere!

HTH
Paula x

kodokan

And moving anywhere with a young child is an instant 'in' to meeting people and making new friends, from mum and baby groups right up to 'school gates' age.

kodokan

shazrazmataz

Go fo it, we emigrated almost 2 years ago, it's the best thing ever apart from being so far away from your family.

Have to agree with Fratty about the ageing population, they are crying out for young families.

If there's anything I can help you with just give me a 'hoy'

mountainofdebt

This view point may be a bit contraversial but hey wouldn't life be boring if everyone had the same opinion!

Now first let me put the rider on this by saying that my mum would never stop my sister doing anything (as if she could!!) but she does have feelings

My sister who has 3 young (2 of which are under 6 months) children has announced that there is a strong possibility ( which translates as we are!) that they will be going to Australia next year - they have said it would only be for 5 years but as I posted at the time we doubt very much they would come back.

This has upset my mum alot especially as she feels that she wouldn't see, especially the younger two, grow up - and before anyone mentions visits to Australia, mum is not in the best of health and I doubt whether she ecould afford it financially either.

Personally, in some respects, it would have been kinder if my sister had emigrated first as now mum is wondering how much time she has to physical see the children grow up before they go.

I know you can't live your life constantly thinking of other people's feelings but it will be a hard enough rench for your family whenever you emigrate but if grandchildren are involved then I personally think it makes it all the much harder.

foreversomeday

Well the OP didn't actually mention whether or not she had family in Oz, that might be the reason she wants to emigrate, however I'll assume not and say, yes, it is difficult to get to know a child, especially at that age, and then have them leave with the feeling that they're the opposite side of the world and visiting will only be occasional. However a lady I work with has a grandson in Oz and she has regrets about not seeing him when he was first born .. so it can go either way.

I think if you are planning on having a child before you go, it would be best for the child to be as young as possible when you move. I don't know what your thoughts are on child development, displacemement and attachment theories and everything, but to my mind it would be difficult for a, say, 5 or 6 year old child who has been at school a year to break into new friendship groups in a new country. While they are younger they don't really notice if people are "different" or not.

HTH.

bobinbognor

Hi Pawprinter. Don't hesitate!!! My daughter and son-in-law emigrated to Australia two years ago and are loving every minute of it. We visit regularly and there's always emails and webcams. The Australian government is actively encouraging couples with children to join them and is more than prepared to support married couples with cash payments like A$3000 when you buy your 1st home, A$3500 for a 1st child, A$6000 for a 2nd child and a staggering A$12000 for the third child. Go for it !

Queenieviolet

I'm so jealous! We were going to go after I had my first child but then when I fell pregnant again I wondered how I would cope so far from family so we didn't go - it's true that you only regret the things you don't do! We did the flight with a 1 year old and it was fine. Children are amazingly resillient and much more adept at changing than us adults, I think a toddler wouldn't find the move a problem and I agree that having children is one of the best ways to meet new friends. Good luck.

bylromarha

In March this year, my friends emigrated to NZ with a 2 year old and a 10 week old, so go for it.

One thing which may still be true though...my ex neighbour wanted to emigrate to Aus, but her son had ASD, so they weren't allowed to as her son would be considered a drain on the state.

Under 4's cannot be diagnosed with ASD, but I don't know if the same rules apply to hereditary diseases, should your family have any?