When did you tell your DC you were moving?

[Starmummy]

Hi
I posted recently about DH having interview for a job in Dubai. We had never really spoken much about an opportunity like this, although I see it a great oportunity. Ds has just turned 11 and is in year 6. With regard to DH interview things are moving on very quickly, they want him, he (and I want to go) its just a question we have never been, so thats on our list of things to do before the end of sept (lol). We havent discussed anything with DS yet in case it doesnt come to anything, however I'm now begining to have second thoughts that we should have built him up to the fact it is a possibility.
Any thoughts or ideas please on how to broach the subject without it being such a bolt from the blue. I do think he would love the lifestyle, camping, sailing etc
Thanks

Hi Starmummy, I moved from Manchester to Glasgow when I was 11 ( i know its not Dubai but same idea). My parents told me and my sisters about 1 month before we left and I have to say it took alot of bribery to get me to come round, I thought it was the end of the world (leaving best friend etc), so it will be difficult I don't think including him in the decision will help as you would make the decision for lifestyle reasons, he will only consider how it would change his life in the immediate future. I settled about 6 months after we moved, and now I am glad I'm here 17 years on. Good luck, its a tough decision. X

Hi Starmummy

DH has been offered a job in Spore and we told DS (5) after Dh had accepted the job. That was in June and we move at the end of September.

We wanted him to get used to the idea that he would be leaving his school here and going to a new school.

We have been showing him pictures on the internet of potential schools, our serviced apartment etc.

He's only 5 but he has been saying things like how much he loves his school here (but I'm sure he'll be more easily distracted than an 11-year old!)

He has been won over a little by the fact that it's going to be warm all year round and he can swim every day

Thanks for your help.
Good luck with the move Rojak, I cant begin to imagine how you start to pack up your life. My friend this afternoon said just get a skip and chuck everything except photos!! Gosh I'm such a hoarder, I still have pictures on the wall that DS did in reception .
Katyjo, glad you settled eventually. I do think it will take lots of bribery, I'm really planning on selling all the sunshine, sports and adventures. DS started a new school last year ready for going to high shool, he coped ok and has enjoyed going back this term. He is normally quite amenable and outgoing but something inside tells me I dont know everything about how he feels. I think the internet will be great to show him things and make it exciting, I'm just not sure I want to present him with a done deal IYSWIM? Any thoughts on that?
thanks again

Hi Starmummy

Sorry hadn't been checking this thread. Could you raise it with him now as a possibility? Along the lines of "Daddy may be getting a new job in another country" and then letting him lead with questions about which country and looking up on the internet about the country etc etc?