family in Italy ()
Moving to Italy is a big change for the entire family. Children certainly feel this impact as they leave behind familiar schedules, classrooms, friends and neighborhoods. Here are ways to make the transition as smooth as possible for your kiddos.
ESTABLISH ROUTINES
The importance of routines in child development should not be understated. Establishing routines will help children handle the additional emotional and environmental changes as you get settled.
Set sleep schedules right away.
Rehearse school or day care routines.
If possible, take your children to their day care or school to meet caregivers or teachers in advance.
Make sure your routine includes time for your children’s favorite activities.
INVOLVE YOUR KIDS
Include your children throughout the transition. Even for toddlers, give them tasks and roles to instill a sense of responsibility and increase self-confidence.
Let them help unpack and give them freedom to organize their living space.
Schedule social time with classmates and new neighbors.
Sign up for after-school activities.
Contact a School Liaison Officer (SLO) to request youth sponsors.
EXPLORE ITALY
Maintain an enthusiastic outlook about your arrival in Italy, even if you are having doubts. Your children will look to you a great deal during this transition. If you’re upset, they will be too.
Eat meals on the economy, attend local fests and learn about Italian traditions. Address the differences between life in Italy versus back home, but move conversations in a positive direction. Your children will gain an appreciation for diversity while exploring.
Enroll your children in Italian lessons, schools or day care.
Explore the best of Europe by letting your children assist in trip planning, researching and selecting sites or activities they would enjoy. Take photos and work together to create scrapbooks, photo albums, calendars, collages and other creative projects.
REMAIN IN TOUCH WITH LIFE BACK HOME
While adjusting to everything new, don’t forget about life back home. Video chat or call family and friends. If your children are allowed online, encourage them to use social media and email to stay in touch with friends or have them send postcards from the destinations they visit. Continue the traditions that are important in your family, while creating new ones during your time in Italy
EXPECT AN ADJUSTMENT PERIOD
Give your children time to process all of the changes, both good and bad, that come with their new environment. Be aware of expat child syndrome, a psychological condition that typically occurs in children ages 10 to 15 and can lead to isolative or unruly behavior.
Resources
Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) - free non-medical sessions with child behavioral specialists are anonymous and may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
Adolescent Support and Counseling Services (ASACS)
Military OneSource - Twelve free sessions for individual, couple, family or group settings.
CHILD EDUCATION
A variety of school and child care options are available to you, but keep in mind that many programs have waitlists, so don’t delay the planning process! Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Europe schools typically accept enrollments throughout the year to accommodate military families. Consult with the SLO on what would be the best option for your children.
