Thousands of Brits currently live abroad, in a huge range of countries. But while this mass migration is becoming the norm for UK nationals, it certainly isn’t without its own challenges. Perhaps chief amongst those is the process of taking kids out of an environment they feel comfortable and settled in. You may need to submit a naturalisation application depending on where you intend on moving to.
If you’re lucky enough to be a mum or dad, you’ll want to do everything you can to make what is already a tricky transition that little bit easier. Here are three common challenges of moving abroad with kids, and what can be done to make it a less arduous task.
Language barriers
If your move takes you to a country where the national language is not your native tongue, you can be faced with any number of communication errors. In a 2020 study of medical patients who did not speak the local language, 49% had trouble understanding a medical situation, 34.7% were confused about how to use medication, and 41.8% had trouble understanding a label on the medication.
And while this situation applied to treatment in a hospital, a lack of coherent communication channels can be a hindrance across a number of areas. Making friends, clearly understanding what’s being taught at school, and getting help in emergency situations could all suffer.
Prepare yourself and your children by taking language lessons before moving, and keep them up on arrival. Practice the language together at home and make every effort to use it conversationally when out so you all feel comfortable using it. Working together will help your child feel more connected to you and ease their anxiety by helping them speak to other adults and children.
Homesickness
Children will be especially prone to homesickness, as they thrive on routine and familiarity. Moving far from their friends and extended family, and even leaving their house, will be difficult for any child. As their parent, make sure to spend plenty of time preparing them for the move, and make sure they feel included in what’s going on. Upon arrival be sure to help them get assimilated by taking them on outings, and signing them up for clubs they have an interest in to keep them from wallowing at home.
Most importantly, keep open lines of communication with your children so you can better meet their needs while they adjust to a foreign place. The world can be big and scary, and it’s even more intimidating when you’re small.
Culture shock
Culture shock is typically used to describe when an expat is experiencing difficulties adjusting to their new country. In children, this may manifest as expat child syndrome, the symptoms of which are:
- Loneliness
- Withdrawal
- Uncooperative or disruptive behaviour
As with standard culture shock, expat child syndrome will eventually pass once your child has developed a solid routine and developed a social circle. Make sure to be patient with them during this time.
The most important thing to remember when moving abroad with children is that they will need extra time and consideration to adapt to their new surroundings. Including them in the early preparation for the move will help build excitement. Keep communication flowing and allow them to be a part of everything so they don’t feel like they’ve been pulled from their home without any choice in the matter.