Moving with children: helping kids adjust to a new country

Children often adapt quickly on the surface, but a move abroad is a big change for them too: new school, new language, new friends, and the loss of everything familiar.

Signs your child may be struggling

• Changes in sleep, appetite or mood.
• Not wanting to go to school, or frequent stomach aches and headaches.
• Withdrawal, irritability or more frequent tantrums.
• Talking a lot about home, or not at all.

How to help

• Talk openly about the move, and let them be sad or angry about it.
• Keep routines as steady as you can.
• Stay in touch with friends and family back home.
• Help them find a hobby or club where friendships can grow.
• Look after yourself, too. Children pick up on parents’ stress.

If your child’s difficulties last more than a few weeks, our psychologists who work with children and teenagers can help, and we work closely with parents along the way.

Prague Integration offers counselling for expats and locals in over 10 languages, online or in person in Prague 1. Book a free discovery session and we will match you with the right person.