Moving Abroad With Kids: Tips and Tools
Moving abroad is a major life decision, and when children are involved, it becomes even more layered. Beyond logistics and visas, you’re navigating education systems, emotional well-being, social connections, and a completely new cultural environment, all while trying to maintain a sense of stability for your family.
The good news? With thoughtful preparation and the right tools, relocating internationally with kids can be an incredibly enriching experience. Children of expats (or “third culture kids”) have unique opportunities to develop resilience, global awareness, and deep family bonds.
Below, we’ll break down the practical aspects of moving and settling in, the long-term considerations of raising children in a new environment, along with strategies and tools to support both you and your children through the transition.
Important Considerations for Expat Parents
Education
School is often the single biggest factor shaping a child’s experience abroad, and it’s likely the place that your children will spend most of their waking time. Starting your education research early in your moving process can give you time to weigh trade-offs, discuss with your children, and avoid making rushed decisions.
Education systems vary widely from country to country, not just in curriculum but in teaching style, structure, expectations, and language. It’s important to talk through the different options with your child and make education a positive topic.
Developing Community & Friendships
Friendships and social connections are crucial at any age, and for children moving abroad, there are several considerations. Older children may feel the loss of friendships or family due to distance, while also needing to build new connections after relocating. As a parent, you can support both:
Maintaining Existing Connections
Schedule regular video calls with close friends or family members
Encourage sending letters, shared online activities, or voice notes
Building New Connections
Search for international or expat family networks
Enrol children in extracurricular activities
It’s important to recognize and allow for the grief of missing old connections, while still encouraging and supporting the exciting possibilities in your new home.
Cultural Differences
Cultural differences can show up in many ways, big and small, that can affect children of all ages. The larger cultural differences like language, religion, traditions, and holidays may be obvious—but the smaller, everyday moments are often a surprise.
Differences in communication norms, social etiquette, and expectations can be expected, but hard to prepare for. And these differences are common in almost any relocation abroad, even those that don’t come with major distance or language barriers.
These differences may be subtle, but they can be impactful, especially for children. To manage these changes, it’s important to instill a mindset that is open to new experiences, and recognizes differences as differences, not faults.
As you support your children during the moving and settling process, work on finding a balance between embracing new norms while respecting any discomfort that arises.
Homesickness
Homesickness can affect both children and parents, often in waves rather than all at once. Some kids struggle immediately; others seem fine at first and then feel it later. Preparing ahead of time and normalizing feelings of grief, loss, and overwhelm can help children understand homesickness and feel supported.
You may also research mental health resources available in your new home ahead of time, giving you a sense of what support is available if you or your children need it.
Quick Tips
Start Conversations Early
Children process big changes best when they feel included rather than informed at the last minute. Starting the conversation early allows time for questions, emotional processing, and gradual mental adjustment. This means including your children in the relocation conversation as soon as possible, and keeping it open throughout the entire process.
Use age-appropriate language, be honest about uncertainties, and avoid overselling the move. Focusing on small, controllable aspects of the relocation can help children feel in control. For example:
Involving them in the decision-making process about their new school, showing them photos, and going shopping for school supplies.
Allowing them to pick a paint colour for their new room, or a special item of decor to set up upon arrival.
Making plans in your new city, such as researching local cafés, landmarks, or other unique activities that align with your child’s interests.
Encourage open and honest communication throughout the entire experience, checking in regularly, validating your children’s emotions, and opening up alongside them can make a big difference.
Focus Your Research On What Matters
Planning a move abroad takes a lot of time, effort, and planning. Above anything, your children will benefit from your state of mind being as calm and stable as possible, so it’s important to prioritize and avoid burnout.
Focus your research and resources on what matters most to you and your family. School, work, and home are the three major areas to address, and the three areas that are important to “get right”. Take your time, work with professionals, and don’t make rushed decisions when it comes to these three areas.
Other aspects of your relocation—extracurricular activities, furnishings, grocery shopping, etc.—have less potential repercussions and can be addressed at any time.
Making sure the basics are taken care of can give you more peace of mind to tackle everything else.
Prioritize Stability & Routine
Providing a sense of stability can make a huge difference in a child’s adjustment to a big move. Find ways to maintain routines, family traditions, and rituals in your new home. These small constants provide a sense of stability and comfort, as many other aspects of life shift significantly.
Even small habits, like bedtime or morning routines, can make a big difference and offer a stable backdrop for your child’s adjustment process.
Toolkit For Expat Parents
Our best tip for expat parents is to research and use as many resources as you can. Ask for help, use programs, and connect with other families who are experiencing similar things. We recommend searching for local newcomer services, expat Facebook groups, and international communities in your new home.
You can also check out our toolkit for resources we’ve rounded up that may be helpful regardless of your location:
Online Resources
InterNations: A global expat community to help you connect with other expats, exchange tips & advice, get involved with local events & groups, and more!
ExpatChild: Online blog with a wide range of articles providing tips and insights into relocating with children.
Expat Kids Club: Mental health support services for expat kids and their families.
E-Book: Growing up in a New Land – A Guide for Newcomer Parents
Canadian Resources
Government of Canada tool for finding free newcomer services near you
Government of Canada services for newcomer youth
CMAS Canada Care for Newcomer Children: A collection of resources, tips, and guides to support parents who have relocated to Canada with their children.
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If you’d like to speak with a relocation specialist & receive bespoke support and resources for your family, please contact us today at New Roots Relocation.
