Relocating with children? This can be a huge advantage before puberty.

When is the best time? 

My personal experience shows, adaptation, languages, and resilience develop more easily in the pre-adolescent phase.

Of course, this is not the case for all families; there are teenagers who cope surprisingly well with a move, and children who need more support.  When I lived in Brazil as a child, I first spent two months listening (which was very unusual already there for me 😊) – and then suddenly spoke fluent Portuguese.

My children were also pre-pubescent when we moved from Germany to Switzerland: One of them came home excited after his first day of school: “Mom, imagine, this Swiss German is sooo easy – I understand everything!” (Teachers there speak High German – but with a accent 😉).

Why is this the case:

• High adaptability: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 do not yet have a firmly established identity. They learn languages more easily, make friends more quickly, and adapt more flexibly to new cultures.

• Identity formation: During puberty, belonging to a peer group becomes more important. 

• Family orientation: Younger children are more focused on their parents, which makes the transition easier and provides stability.

•   School & curricula: Changing schools before secondary school means less exam pressure and less stress around final exams.

Tips for parents:

•   Involve children in this decision early on and take their fears seriously.

•   Maintain rituals and look for local networks to provide a foundation.

•   Stay flexible – every child is different.

What are your experiences? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

#su-coach.com

#relocationCoaching#RelocationWithChildren #Relocation#SwingupCoaching