HKFWS takes a “Family-centric” perspective for service development. We believe family is paramount and devote ourselves to strengthen family wellbeing. Regardless of family backgrounds or facing difficulties, we are pleased to provide support. We also utilise community resources to alleviate their imminent hardships. Some advices are provided by our professional team derived from their past working experience here for your reference when you are in need.
My wife and I plan to migrate to Canada next year. My daughter said she likes the life in Hong Kong, and she is very reluctant to leave her classmates and relatives here. How do I convince my daughter to accept the decision to migrate?
Emigration is a critical change to the family. Not surprisingly both parents and the daughter have anxiety induced by their adaptability to the new environment. Meanwhile, the family do miss their relatives and friends. You can express your empathy towards the daughter as you also experience similar psychological state You can let her know both of you are facing the same challenges and will overcome together.
Therefore, you can encourage the daughter to express her thoughts and feelings towards migration, with your non-judgmental attitude, acceptance and affirmation. At the same time, you can explain the reasons and considerations for migration to her.
You can accompany her to attend overseas study exhibition or arrange a short visit to alleviate her uncertainties about living in Canada and explore some interesting information about Canada, in order to foster the positive aspects of living in Canada. At the same time, regarding change in work environment, you can share about your plan of job search so that daughter can understand about your situation as well.
To address her concerns about peer and family relationships, you can discuss with her about the possible solutions and let her involve in the decision making process if appropriate, such as drafting the leaving schedule, means of saying goodbye (e.g. having farewell party, sending gifts or writing cards) and alternative ways to maintain the relationships (e.g. video call). As a result, she can have sufficient time to prepare for the transition, while maintaining the current relationships after emigration.
During the process, please be aware of the physical and emotional states of the daughter. In case of showing unstable emotions, sleeping disturbances or poor appetite, it is suggested to seek help from professionals, e.g. doctors, school social worker, or social worker from Integrated Family Service Centre (IFSC) in the community.
Sources: Ms. Sin, Social Worker (Family Service), Hong Kong Family Welfare Society
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