How to Prepare Your Child for an International Move?

Expat parents know that relocating to another country can bring big changes for the whole family, especially for children. A study published in the European Journal of Population on Springer Nature found that children who moved at least once had a 25-39 % higher likelihood of reporting loneliness compared with those who did not move, highlighting how important parental support is during transitions. 

To help your child adjust confidently to their new life abroad, there are practical steps parents can take before and after moving abroad with children.

Before discussing a significant move with your children, make sure you are confident this is the right opportunity for your family. Children pick up on parental anxiety, which can affect them too. Framing the move as a family adventure helps make it exciting and something to look forward to during your international move.

Once you are sure the move is right, share the news with your children. Knowing your children, you may be able to anticipate the reaction they will have. If they are independent and love an adventure they may be delighted. If they are more reserved and resistant to change, they may take the news badly. Either reaction is valid but reassure them that nothing in life is all good or all bad.  It’s ok to feel different things about this upcoming experience.

The important thing for them to remember is you, as their parents are there to confide in and help them deal with whatever emotion they are feeling. 

Part of the excitement of relocating to another country is exploring a new environment. Encourage your child to research your destination, list activities they’d like to try, and places they want to visit. This builds anticipation and helps children feel more prepared for moving abroad.

Younger children may struggle to understand what an international move means. Storytelling and role-playing can help. Share your own experiences moving or read books about changing schools or homes. Use dolls or drawings to illustrate saying goodbye and anticipating new adventures, helping your child process both sadness and excitement.

If possible, plan a trip to your new destination before the move. Visiting their new school and exploring the area helps children familiarise themselves with their environment, reducing anxiety. Include activities from their “must-try” list to build excitement and make the transition smoother.

Help your child record their moving experience by creating a moving book. It can include their favourite things about your current home, including pictures of friends and family. Encourage them to include what they are looking forward to when you move. Use their moving book to keep a record of the fun activities you did while you were visiting.

There is undoubtedly going to be days when moving feels like too much for your child. Their last day at their current school or saying goodbye to friends or grandparents is going to be difficult.

Acknowledge their sadness, talk openly about their feelings, and reassure them that it is normal to feel this way. Sharing your own emotions can help your child understand and process their feelings during the transition.

Encourage your child to take an active role in packing for the move. Let them choose special items to bring, like a favourite toy, their bed, or even a small piece of furniture. Talk through what each item means to them and why it’s important.

Involving them gives them a sense of control and ownership, and it can even turn packing into a fun activity rather than a chore. This familiarity and engagement helps them feel more comfortable and excited about settling into their new home abroad.

Give your child the chance to spend quality time with friends before the move. You could organise a small party, a playdate, or one-on-one visits with close friends so they can say goodbye properly. Leaving can be emotional, so be there to support them, talk through their feelings, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel sad while looking forward to their new adventure abroad.

When you arrive in your new home, make setting up your child’s bedroom a priority. Unpacking their personal space first gives them a familiar place to relax, play and feel secure. Let them arrange their favourite toys, bedding, and decorations so it feels truly theirs. Having this little corner of comfort can help them settle faster and start feeling at home abroad after an international relocation.

Try to keep your child’s usual routine as much as possible when you arrive in your new home. Mealtimes, bedtimes, and daily activities provide comfort and stability, especially if jet lag or a new environment throws things off. Sticking to familiar routines helps your child feel secure, adjust more quickly, and settle into life abroad with less stress.

Encourage your child to keep in contact with their close friends, especially in the first few weeks after the move. Set up regular video calls, messages, or emails so they can share updates and stay connected. Younger children might enjoy drawing or colouring pictures to post to their friends, while older kids can share photos and stories from their new life.

Staying connected helps them feel supported, reduces homesickness, and makes the transition to a new country feel less overwhelming.

Moving to another country for work or family can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges for your children, their education, and your family’s wellbeing. Protecting yourself and your loved ones helps ensure a smoother transition and peace of mind.

Allianz’s international health insurance is designed for families living abroad, giving you access to quality healthcare and our expat assistance programme so you can get support whenever you need it.

Explore the Allianz Wellness Hub to take control of your wellbeing and enjoy peace of mind throughout your expat journey.