The Global Phoenix - Issue 4 The Global Phoenix - Issue 4 | Page 44

4. Recognise the importance of friendships
As children start to grow up, relationships with their
peers take on greater significance in their lives.
Smaller kids may shed a tear or two at having to leave
their best classmate but will soon discover new best
friends in the new playground and may not pine
for previous companions at all. Young children are
surprisingly adaptable. The same scenario is totally
different for a teenager who has developed a more
complex social network and is possibly at the stage
of romantic involvement.
In this day and age, when communication is instant
and global, where social media is a constant and
where the masters of it are the younger generation,
keeping in touch is no longer an issue. We have
progressed way beyond the email and simple texting
to instant messaging, blogging, Facebook, Instagram,
WhatsApp and more. All these tools will enable your
children to maintain established friendships and
daily contact with friends back home which will assist
in easing them into their new environment without
experiencing loss to the same degree they would
have without such contact.
Why not suggest they start a blog to share
experiences with friends and family back home
and to have a long lasting record of it in the future.
Instagram and Facebook likewise provide sharing
opportunities.
5. Integrate locally
Virtual contact is, however, no substitute for being in
company, for having someone to hang out with or to
share live experiences with. Equip your children to
insert themselves into the local expat community by
starting them off in their new social network before
the move.
Some international schools operate a ‘buddy system’
whereby kids can meet fellow classmates, either
literally or virtually, before their relocation, and
can ask all the questions they feel they need to. If
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