Relocating to a new country can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for children, especially if they are leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and family. This can lead to a range of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders.

Adjustment disorder is a condition that can develop in response to a significant life change or stressor, such as moving to a new country. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and worry, as well as difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

Resilience can play an important role in helping children cope with the stress of relocating to a new country. Resilient children are better able to adapt to new situations and are less likely to experience negative mental health outcomes.

How to Foster Resilience in Children
There are several things that parents and caregivers can do to foster resilience in children, especially in the context of relocating to a new country. These include:

Encourage social support: Having a strong support system is essential for fostering resilience in children. Parents can encourage children to make new friends and participate in activities that they enjoy.
Maintain routines: Maintaining a sense of routine can help children feel more secure and reduce the stress of the transition to a new country. This can include sticking to regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and other daily activities.

Focus on the positive: Encouraging children to focus on the positive aspects of their new country, such as new experiences and opportunities, can help shift their perspective and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Build coping skills: Teaching children coping skills, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and problem-solving, can help them manage stress and build resilience.

Seek professional support: If a child is struggling with psychological problems, it may be necessary to seek professional support from a mental health provider. You can book an appointment with a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Bumrungrad Children’s Center.

Relocating to a new country can be a challenging and stressful experience for children, and it can lead to a range of psychological problems. However, by fostering resilience and providing support, parents and caregivers can help children adapt to their new environment and maintain good mental health. Encouraging social support, maintaining routines, focusing on the positive, building coping skills, and seeking professional support when necessary are all important steps in supporting children's resilience and well-being during the process of relocating to a new country.