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Sometimes working abroad means bringing your entire family to a foreign country and asking them to make it work. The most challenging part is when you have a teenager kid who is not so enthusiastic about the idea. During these years, children love to go out with their friends, go on dates, cut classes, party and basically explore anything and everything. Living in a foreign country however can make things harder for them. As parents who are responsible to bringing your kids abroad, you should help the kids cope up.

In this article, we will share some tips to help your kids cope up with living and studying abroad.

1. Find a good school for them – school is the biggest factor to help kids cope up with living abroad. However, it is important to choose the right school where they can fit in and adjust well. There are many reputable IB schools in Singapore that you can choose from. It is designed for highly motivated and competitive secondary school students that provides balanced academic exposure and at the same time lays out the foundation of university life to prepare them.
2. Always ask them about how their day was – most teenagers find it difficult to talk to their parents especially when both parents are usually busy with work or business. You should make it a point to always talk to your kids like every breakfast or before you sleep. It is important that they know that you are interested to hear about their day. This way, they will know that you care and that they can talk to you about anything.
3. Lay out your rules and be clear about it – it is important that you discuss your rules and the consequences of not following it. Yes, they are adjusting and because of this, they may be throwing tantrums every now and then. Teens tend to be stubborn so you must be firm that you will allow them to do this or that but then they need to do this and that. Now if they failed to follow the rules then they should be ready to face the punishments. Having rules in the house is also one way to teach your kids obedience and sense of responsibility.
4. Ask them what they want – there are many things a parent wish for their kids. They wish to enroll kids in this school and eventually to a university but is this what your kids want? Instead of forcing the kids to do this or do that, you should hear them out. Ask them what they want to do in life and give them the support they need. Now, as parents you could give them advice but it’s not good to force something that they do not want.
5. Meet their friends – it is also great to take time and meet their friends. You should know the people your kids are hanging out with. This is also good so you know who to contact in case you can’t reach your kids when they are late or something.

Living and studying abroad is a big adjustment for the kids. You need to guide them well until they are fully adjusted. At the end of the day, all you want is what’s best for your kid.