How To Help Kids Settle In Post Emigration

Top Ten Tips For Helping Kids To Integrate After Moving Abroad

Aug 25, 2008

After the packing up and the long goodbyes how do you help your kids settle down in their new country?

Moving abroad may be exciting but once the plane lands, reality kicks in. What can you do to tackle any initial unease and longer term apprehension from younger members of the family?

Making Friends in a New Country

One of the biggest concerns that children raise is their anxiety over finding new friends. If you are moving to a country with a foreign language, they will be particularly concerned about developing new friendships. Initially they may struggle to communicate or find common interests with the kids in their class and neighborhood. They may find that the kids they meet have different hobbies and a culture which is unlike that which they grew up in. It may take time for them to find a way to fit in, establish common ground and develop friendships.
On the other hand…. you may find them using the international language of football, tag, skipping, music etc. and managing to pick up ‘playground’ language which enables them to participate in games. One thing they should remember; a smile is the same in any language and communicates your feelings perfectly well! Give them time, listen to their frustrations and help them to find friends. You may find it beneficial to enroll them in after school clubs in their existing or new areas of interest. You should also invite other children over to help your kids nurture new friendships.
Encourage them to continue their old interests but also support them to find new hobbies which will help them to cultivate friendships and be part of the common culture.

Fitting in at School in a New Country

Learning the language is crucial to full integration – give them every assistance possible; request in-school support, homework help and, if possible, private tuition. Encourage them to befriend local kids and not just those from Anglo families.
Have realistic expectations of their first year (or two) at school. It is unlikely that they will be able to participate fully for some time, particularly for ‘wordy’ subjects like geography, history etc. Make it clear to them that you do not expect them to achieve the same academically as they did ‘back home’. Explain that they need to build up their level of understanding and ability to contribute within lessons. They may find homework hard to complete and you should be in regular touch with their teacher to explain what the barriers are – even subjects like Math can prove hard to translate.
Your kids may feel frustrated at times but keep them communicating with you and act as their advocate, explaining their needs and making suggestions on how to deal with these. Find out what support is available, be-it class room assistance, study buddies etc. Be patient. Kids do ultimately settle in and are able to achieve more and more over time.
As second language students your kids need to maximize their potential but be realistic about what they are likely to achieve. Older kids, in particular, are unlikely to catch up to their previous standards of achievement in all subjects.
Take action to retain their English skills at as high a level as possible. It would also be beneficial for them to learn English typing. These two skills alone will stand them in good stead in any job market.

Building Happy Memories and Retaining the Ties

Be sure to harness a love of your new country with the kids. Take plenty of trips out to familiarize them with places of interest and natural beauty. Don’t forget theme parks, water parks and other kids-focused days out alongside more cultural excursions.
Encourage them to keep in touch with friends and family back home. They can send letters, texts, emails, as well as utilize instant messaging and VOIP phone lines. They could also start a blog, detailing their experiences for friends, relations and other kids whose families are planning to move abroad.

Children may be a little apprehensive about their ‘new start’ but anticipating their needs and discussing their feelings should lead to them settling down with relative ease. Most parents remark upon the speed at which their kids learn the language and make friends. Kids are adaptable and although they are bound to experience challenges along the way, in time, most express positive feedback about their move abroad.

For more articles on emigration by this author, click here.

The copyright of the article How To Help Kids Settle In Post Emigration in N Europe Travel is owned by Sharona Benjamin. Permission to republish How To Help Kids Settle In Post Emigration in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.