Y is for Young Ones

Today we are going to talk about the letter Y, which is going to stand for our beloved young ones. We all want our children to be as happy as possible, but when we move them to a new place, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. There are a few things that we have learned since moving here that I would like to share with all of you regarding young ones and moving abroad.

The first thing to realize is that your young one is going to be nervous. They more than likely do not know anyone at their new school, in their neighborhood, or perhaps in their whole town. As an adult, it is not as terrifying to move to a new area because we have someone moving with us. We have our spouse or our child to support us during the move. A child often feels as if they are all alone and sometimes feels like they need to be able to make friends in order to be happy. This is perfectly normal and you need to take the time to support this need. You may want to talk to them about their fears, although, depending on their age, they may or may not want to share them with you. It is important to just be there when and if they decide, they need you.

When moving abroad, there are going to be difficulties due to the language barrier, as well as, the cultural barrier. In some countries things are acceptable that are not acceptable in Portugal. It is a good idea to do a bit of research about the cultural differences so that you can give your child the ability to behave in a culturally acceptable manner. It will take time for your child to learn the language. You may want to ask the school if they have any English-speaking students in the school. If they do, you may want to request that your child be placed in that classroom so that he or she is able to bond with someone at their new school. You may also want to ask if there are any tutors available to help your child learn the new language sooner.

It is important to be patient when you move with your child to a new area. There are going to be times when he or she is going to feel frustrated because of the language barrier or cultural differences. This is something that will pass with time, but your child will need you to support them while they go through the transition period. Many children find it comforting to know that their parents are having a tough time with the transition, as well. Sharing difficulties that you are having may help him or her to feel more comfortable discussing their issues. Together, you may be able to come to a great resolution. There is no reason that your child can’t enjoy their new life and all of the amazing things around them.