If you are soon to relocate and you have chosen an international school in Bangkok for your kids, there are certain things you can do to make the transition that bit easier. Moving to another country is hard enough for adults, so think about how difficult it can be for the kids. Children not only have to get used to a new country, but they also have to adapt to a new school. If you follow these guidelines, your child will settle a lot quicker when they attend their new school.
Don’t Keep Them in the Dark
The worst thing you can do is keep your child in the dark about the move and spring it on them at the last minute. They have a right to know what is going on and you should tell them about the move well in advance.
This will help you to get them to a stage where they are excited about the change and cannot wait to meet their new friends, explore the city, and mix with their new teachers.
There are some easy ways to get them excited about their new school, some of these include:
- Showing them pictures of the website
- Showing them videos on social media accounts
- Scheduling a tour of the school
- Showing off some of the amenities on offer
Familiarising your kids with the school before their first day can make settling in a lot easier.
Open Dialogue
If you have found a good international school in Bangkok, make sure you keep an open dialogue with your kid and tell them more about the school they will be attending. Address any concerns they may have to ensure they are not scared at the prospect of joining a new school.
Keep talking to them during the process and try to gauge how your child is feeling along the way. Encourage them to ask questions and do your best to answer them when they have any type of query.
Preserve Their Memories
Leaving school and friends behind is something that has a profound effect on many children. To make the transition easier, start a scrapbook and let them put things inside so their memories do not fade away.
When things get difficult in their new school, they can look back at some of their past achievements to help them focus and stay motivated. The scrapbook should include all kinds of things, especially certificates, good grades, pictures of friends, and medals for extracurricular activities. All of these things can be an inspiration for embracing their new international school.
Focus on Positivity
We all know that moving to new relocation, getting things ready, and settling kids in can be incredibly difficult at times. There are lots of things to think about and sometimes the whole experience gets overwhelming. You will have to juggle lots of different things, so do not get discouraged when things do not go to plan. Remain positive and remember that a new school is a great opportunity for your child to meet new people and experience a new culture.
Establish a Routine
Once you know where your kids will be going to school, the next thing you can do is work out a route from your home to the school. While you are exploring your new surroundings, find the best way to the school and bring your kids along with you. When the journey happens for real, they will be familiar with the environment and it will take less time.
Learning About the New School
Another way to help kids settle in a new school is to take steps to make them become familiar with their new surroundings. If you are moving to a new city, try to do it during the summer when the schools are on a break. It is a lot harder for kids to feel relaxed in a new school when they are dropped in during the semester. They are just getting used to their new home and neighbourhood and adding a new school to that can be overwhelming.
Meet Their Teacher
If possible, bring them to the school when their teacher is around, so they can get to know them before the term starts. Moving to a new school can be a daunting prospect for most kids, so familiarising them with their teacher will help them settle in on their first day. They will already know the place and they will see a familiar face in the crowd.
Moving to a new school is a challenging experience for nearly all children, going from one country to another makes it even more difficult. There are plenty of things you can do as a parent to prepare your kid for their new surroundings. In addition to the points mentioned above, get them involved in extracurricular activities, so they make new friends.
