How to Support Your Kids on Your Big Move

DR EMMANUELLE MOLLET O’GRADY is a Clinical Psychologist at IMC; here, she offers some strategies for parents to help their children cope with an overseas move.

Singapore is a popular destination among expat families seeking new opportunities and experiences. While moving to a new country can be a thrilling adventure, it can also present unique challenges, particularly for children. As a child psychologist based in Singapore, I have often witnessed the psychological impact of such moves on young people. Here, I look at some of the emotional, social and cognitive effects that relocation can have on children and practical strategies to support them.

#1 Language Barriers and Culture Shock

One of the most significant hurdles that can take place for expat children is the language barrier. The inability to communicate effectively can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. Language skills are also crucial for forming meaningful social connections. Thankfully, children tend to learn languages really quickly and they soon will adapt to their new linguistic environment and make new friends. What you can do: As parents, you can support your children by encouraging language learning and exposure to new accents through language classes and cultural immersion. You can also seek out schools that offer bilingual education to ease the transition.

#2 Social Integration and Making New Friends

Forming new friendships can be daunting for children. The fear of rejection and unfamiliar social norms may hinder their interactions – loneliness and a sense of being an outsider are common initial experiences.

What you can do: Help your children by facilitating social opportunities, such as joining local clubs, sports teams, or community events. Encouraging open-mindedness and teaching social skills can also boost their confidence.

#3 Academic Performance and Educational Transitions

The shift to a new education system can impact a child’s academic performance. Curriculum differences, new grading methods or unfamiliar teaching styles may vary from what they consider the norm. This can cause academic stress and poor performance.

What you can do: Parents can support their children by communicating with teachers and identifying potential areas of struggle, and provide additional educational support, if necessary. Patience and understanding during this adjustment phase are vital.

#4 Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

International relocations can take a toll on a child’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Feelings of sadness, anxiety and even depression are not uncommon during this time of change and adjustment.

What you can do: Try to be vigilant for signs of emotional distress and seek professional help if needed. Engaging in regular family activities, maintaining routines and encouraging regular exercise can also contribute to better emotional resilience. Regular contact with previous friends and family will also be key to help with the child’s wellbeing.

Moving to a new country is a transformative experience for expat families and children, in particular, and can possibly lead to facing countless psychological challenges. We have launched a Psychology Service at IMC to emphasise the importance of open communication, empathy and providing a stable support system during this transition. By understanding and addressing the emotional, social and cognitive impacts, parents can help their children embrace this new adventure and help them thrive in their new environment!

International Medical Clinic – Camden #14-05/06/07 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard

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