Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HOW CAN PARENTS HELP THEIR KIDS BEFORE THEY MOVE?
Definitely get a copy of
Slurping Soup
! This is targeted for 3- to 12-year-olds. It can
be difficult for these kids to voice their anxiety. The topic provides a catalyst for the
crucial discussions you need to have, and can be a window for the parent into the
child's thoughts. Apart from the topic, it's really listening to children's concerns and
listening to their excitement, too. It's also about problem solving any of those con-
cerns together; for example, getting them to come up with ideas for what to do about
missing their friends.
Explore information about Beijing together, and see the move as positive and as
an adventure. However, one thing some parents do is to just try to keep their chil-
dren feeling positive the whole time and fail to recognize that it's also okay also to
be anxious. You need to give your children permission to talk about their concerns.
It's also important for parents to recognize that each of their children may respond
differently to the transition—one might sail along easily but for the other it might be
really challenging. They need to, again, really listen, and make sure they get one-on-
one time with each child.
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR WHEN FAMILIES ARRIVE IN THE COUNTRY?
Look at guidebooks together and get out there and explore the city together. There
is such a rich diversity of historic cultural sites to see. That's a wonderful bonding
activity for the family, and this is so important because the family needs to provide a
safe haven in the midst of all the changes.
Parents should get to an Arrival Survival meeting with the International New-
comers' Network (INN)—that's a must. They'll get to meet different service agen-
cies as well. Get on Beijing Café and Beijing Mamas email groups. And say yes to
all playgroups and invites for at least the first few months till you establish a circle
of friends, and that might include attending the PTA meetings at your child's school.
Continue to really listen, rather than just saying “It's going to get better.” Ac-
knowledge their concerns and anxieties, otherwise that reassurance really only says
“You shouldn't feel that way.” Come up with strategies with them.
