Every winter, in the midst of bleak weather conditions, the dream of starting a new life in Spain becomes a major topic of conversation for many UK residents. Conversely, the subject is again highlighted when summer holidays are taken in the warm, embracing climate offered by Spain. However, while uprooting the family and moving to Spain can be an exciting and stimulating change, it might not all be plain sailing. It takes determination and commitment to ensure the whole family put down roots in their new surroundings, while concerns about children adapting to a new lifestyle can undermine the move.
Selecting the right location for your home in Spain plays a major part in the early assimilation of the adopted homeland, but the selection process can be a long and sometimes difficult task. After researching such factors as area, locality, shopping and leisure facilities, environment, culture and particularly schools, it is an excellent idea to make a couple of research visits to your chosen area. Once you have settled on the right location, the first stage of the move culminates in a 'For Sale' sign being erected at your home, whilst simultaneously securing a property in Spain. Packing containers with your belongings, paying the final bills and saying 'adios' to friends and family leads to the purchase of one-way ticket. While the desire, drive and eventually the decision to adopt a new life in Spain is taken by parents, children generally readily accept the change.
Difficulty adapting to a new Spanish home can be overcome in the initial phase by familiar home comforts; simple pleasures like home cooked food and satellite TV assist the settling down process. Furthermore, any concerns about the quality of schools can be quickly discounted, as many schools are new, and all have excellent facilities and teaching standards are high. Entry to schools is straightforward for all EU citizens and where sizeable ex-pat communities reside, schools provide initial language learning to facilitate early integration.
Pre-school children adapt quickly to their new surroundings, whilst those of primary school age willingly mix with children of different nationalities and soon learn to join in playground games. Young children have an innate ability to mimic; this helps with the starter stage of language learning and their confidence grows very quickly so they simply absorb the Spanish language and adopt Spanish mannerisms. However, older children might initially find the change difficult and parental encouragement is important in the early weeks and months.
Home sickness and missing friends come to the forefront when the smallest thing goes wrong. The phrase "why did we come here" is often heard in the early days, but presenting a loving, close family unit helps to dispel children's concerns; prompting them to slot easily into the different climate and routines, while the new sensation of flexibility and freedom soon overcomes such reservations and integration soon moves at a rapid pace.
For all ages, the year round warmer climate and longer days allows children to engage in outdoor activities such as tennis, golf, basketball and swimming - especially when they can enjoy the healthy benefits in a safe environment. Joining the family on outings means the TV can remain switched off; computer games gather dust and soon become outdated, while every weekend, leisure trips can bring a new adventure; be it to the beach, inland towns or mountain walks. The senses are stimulated by new experiences and these pleasures become associated with the new area and country for parents and children alike.
If you are considering relocating to Spain, it is essential to research the move thoroughly, and choosing a knowledgeable and reliable Spanish property agent can help to alleviate the stresses associated with relocation to Spain. Ultimately, taking that huge step and relocating to Spain can ensure your childrens' happiness and wellbeing. Before long they will become both multi-lingual and multi-cultural, and both they and you will quickly come to refer to Spain as 'home'.
Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.
