Hangzhou Zhejiang Education Guide 2019-2020

SCHOOL FEATURE
Listen to concerns and try to
come up with solutions together.
We read stories together and
talk about our feelings. We
call home regularly. Some of
the older children I know have
connected with their friends
through online games and we
use WeChat to call friends back
home. We have also allowed
plenty of opportunities to
create new friendships here in
China and stay positive about
the future. Having one-toone
time with our children is
important as well. We make
sure we spend time as a family
at meal times and each talk
about our day. We also take
the kids out separately, so they
can have some individual time
with us and that gives us an
opportunity to bond and talk".
Editor Tips:
Create a visual countdown
Think advent calendar, but for
moving. This gives them some
control over timing.
Plan the ‘right time’ to
move
This may not be possible, but
if you are able to, it’s best
to move during the summer
holiday.
Speak to schools on both
ends
Communicate your intentions
and worries in order to make
an exit and entry game plan
tailored to your child’s needs.
Make a bucket list
Plan places to visit and things
to do before leaving. This
makes it exciting, but it also
allows your children to say
goodbye to what’s important
in their own way.
Have them write down
questions
Kids are curious and will
probably have questions
about the move you haven’t
even thought of.
Make a scrapbook
Before you move, include
pictures of friends, family, and
teachers in a scrapbook.
Pack an ‘essentials box’
Have them pack a box of
whatever they think is most
important. Promise them it
will either stay safe or come
with you on the move.
Reach out
Contact other expat families
associated with your child’s
future school. Have your
children talk/Skype/WeChat
prospective classmates and
friends.
Visualise their new home
If possible, have them see their
future room/home so they can
get excited for decorating it
and also get a feel for where
they will be living.
Emphasise goodbyes
Most importantly, carve out
enough time for them to say
their goodbyes in their own
time and own way.
No matter how much you plan
and prepare your children
for a big move, there will
definitely be unexpected
issues that arise. The most
important thing to do
beforehand is to understand
your child’s needs and
personality in order to best
prepare for their reactions.
Bridging the gap between
old and new lives is easier
with social media and apps,
but it’s still imperative to
communicate with your
children throughout the entire
process. Creating positivity
and excitement for the
upcoming change is the best
way to combat the negative
effects of moving, such as loss
of identity or a fear of forming
long-lasting relationships.
14 Zhejiang Education Guide 2019-2020