Donna Grandi, the TCK Specialist at IDEAS, is here to give a few tips and tricks on how parents can prepare your children to move abroad!

1. Most Kids are adventurous - Help them get excited about the travel and all they will see and experience.

2. Keep it Positive - Parent's attitudes strongly affect kids.  Everyone will have adjustments with ups and downs.  But your positive attitude communicates to your kids.

3. Watch your promises - Don't overpromise how wonderful it all will be!   Or, that friends will be the same when you return.   Even one year is an eternity in a child's eyes. This IS a big change - for you and for your kids.

4. Explore together - Explore through Library books, videos, websites.   What is there?  A little of the history. What are some customs there?  Get info from anyone you know already there.

5. Build understanding - Some things will be new and wonderful.  Some things will be different.   Not bad.  But different.  Help kids understand why you are going, and the work you will be doing.  Build a foundation of being understanding of other people's views and customs.

6. Reassure - Reassure your child that the family will be together.  You will love them and take care of them even in the new situation.  Give them time and attention even in the midst of busy-ness and upheaval.  Keep some routines,  such as bedtime.  Do some special 'dates' with each child.

7.  Plan together - Planning is more than just the plane, and excitement of the plane.  Where will you live?  Where will they find friends?  What school will they attend?   What will they eat?

8. Packing -Let kids have a part in packing their things.  Encourage them to pick out a few of their favorite 'treasures' to take, and which to give away or store - even though you know they will probably care less when they get back.  Kids need some sense that  they can still keep some of their things.

9.  Talk about new experiences and new friends - Talk with your kids about new things they have already experienced (i.e. when they went on that trip to ‚ )  and how they responded.    It can be great, fun, exciting and frustrating.    Talk about how to make new friends.  Not every child is assured by "you'll make new friends."   What are some steps to making friends, even when you can't communicate!

10. Help them say Goodbye

To People, places, pets and things.   Have a party to say goodbye.  Take pictures for them to keep and remember.   Even with the sadness of goodbyes, kids can then be ready to move on.  Don't avoid it.

And one more: Get ready and GO!

What are some of your favorite go-to tips on helping kids transition overseas?