International assignments are often viewed solely from the perspective of the employee being relocated for work. But what about their families, especially children? Relocating to another country can be incredibly disruptive and challenging for kids who must leave behind friends, schools, and extended families.
On the most recent The View From The Top show, host Brian Friedman had an in-depth discussion about the experience of moving from a child's viewpoint. The goal is to increase awareness of children's needs during relocation and how employers can better support families.
Some key insights:
Kids can have mixed feelings about moving abroad. There may be excitement over adventures ahead but also grieving what they leave behind like routines, grandparents, and neighborhoods where they feel secure. Companies need to validate this range of emotions.
Parents are the #1 influence over children's transition. Equipping parents with knowledge and resources to guide kids through changes is crucial.
Small gestures like sending a cake to kids' goodbye parties back home demonstrate corporate understanding and compassion. It signals to families that they matter.
Children relate well to other children's stories. Creative tools representing different aspects of the international moving journey help normalize feelings. Kids realize they aren't alone.
The bottom line is that children's happiness deeply impacts the success of employee relocations. When kids struggle with the transition, it strains the entire family unit. More support for young family members is needed across the mobility industry.
View the complete discussion with special guests Karlijn Jacobs - Ombudsperson for International Children at Expat Valley, and Jai Patel (formerly Head of Mobility at Phillips) here.
Don't forget to register for our next show on Managing Your Global Mobility Supply Chain.