Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Christine Law from Global Education Therapy (GET) for a conversation about how families can support children through transitions, moves, and life between cultures.

Together, we explored some of the questions that many parents ask when preparing for a relocation:

• What are the biggest challenges children face when moving to a new country or home?
• How can parents tell the difference between a normal adjustment phase and when a child may be struggling?
• What signs of stress, anxiety or dysregulation should parents watch out for?
• How might relocation affect neurodiverse children differently?
• What practical steps can families take before a move to prepare children emotionally?
• How can parents help children feel safe, settled and connected after arriving in a new location?
• Why are healthy goodbyes so important for healthy beginnings?

The hidden losses

A strong theme that emerged was the importance of acknowledging the hidden losses that often accompany relocation.

While moving abroad can bring exciting opportunities, children may also be saying goodbye to friendships, routines, familiar places, and parts of life that mattered deeply to them.

We also discussed the value of creating continuity between the past and the future, helping children understand that meaningful relationships do not simply disappear because of distance, and that it’s possible to carry important connections forward into a new chapter of life.

As always, I was reminded how powerful collaboration can be. Supporting internationally mobile families often involves parents, educators, psychologists, therapists and other professionals working together to help children navigate change with confidence and resilience.

🎥 Watch the full interview here.

We are here for you

Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming move, supporting a child through a transition, or simply looking for guidance on life between cultures, I hope you find the conversation helpful.

At Expat Nest, we are passionate about supporting the emotional wellbeing of expats, repats, globally mobile individuals and their families. We also believe strongly in collaboration, working alongside trusted professionals and organisations to ensure families receive the support they need.

Remember: you don’t have to navigate international life alone.

Which aspect of the conversation resonated most with you? What tips would you share with a family preparing for an international move?

PHOTO: Gustavo Fring/PEXELS

ABOUT THE INTERVIEW HOST

Global Education Therapy offers online speech therapy, occupational therapy and tutoring for expat families around the world. Be sure to check out their free parent and teacher resources including webinars, tools and more.