Moving Homes, Cities, Countries? Here’s How to Prep the Kids

Moving to a new country with kids? Discover helpful tips from a mom who relocated from Bangalore to Singapore, and learn how to make the transition easier for children.

The Bittersweet Truth About Moving

We recently moved from Bangalore to Singapore—a big change in many ways, and especially emotional for our two daughters. Leaving behind a home of 9 years, friendships, schools, and familiar routines was no easy task. It wasn’t just a relocation; it felt like we were uprooting our very ecosystem.

And yet, the moment we landed in Singapore, a small, efficient, friendly dot on the map, I reminded myself: every move is an opportunity to grow—individually and as a family.

Why Mindset Matters

My work involves helping expats adjust to new environments, so I’m deeply aware of the emotional rollercoaster that relocation triggers—especially for children. There’s a well-known “adjustment curve,” and right now, I know we’re in the honeymoon phase. Everything is exciting, but we’re prepared for the inevitable ups and downs.

Moving is a great time to rewire habits, start fresh, and consciously reset as a family. I, for one, quit Indian chai—an act my friends considered impossible!

So, whether it’s getting fit, learning music, or simply slowing down, a move can help push those long-delayed personal shifts.

Involving the Kids: Why It Matters

When it came to our girls, 8-year-old Tara and 2-year-old Noor, my husband and I decided early:
They needed to feel like equal participants in this journey.

From choosing the apartment to selecting schools and even picking furniture, we included them in every step.

School Tours That Turned Into Life Lessons

Tara visited 4–5 schools with us. She weighed the pros and cons of each—finally choosing the one with a strong recycling project. It wasn’t about rankings or test scores. It was about what mattered to her. And yes, she got in!

Apartment Hunting: From Kids’ Rooms to Cross Ventilation

Initially, our girls were wowed by anything—a swing set, a colorful room. But as they visited more homes, their preferences evolved. By the end, Tara was saying things like,
“Amma, this apartment has more natural light and breeze.”
That alone deserved an award.

Even Noor, barely 2, was trying out new adventures—from running down hallways to identifying her new favorite corner.

Homesickness is Real (and Okay)

This is probably the hardest part.

Little Noor…

Still thinks we’ll fly back to Bangalore on Sunday. She talks about her friends during every meal, and plays imaginary games with them.

Tara…

Cries at bedtime. Gets that “funny feeling” in her tummy when she receives letters from old friends.
We’ve named that feeling: missing someone. And we’ve embraced it as part of the process.

We’ve limited video calls for now—they seemed to intensify the sadness. Instead, her amazing friends in India have been sending letters, gifts, and artwork. That connection, without constant video, is working better.

Boredom Can Be a Gift

Tara had a 4-month gap between her India school and her new school in Singapore.
No friends. No activities.
Just… time.

We didn’t fill her days with camps or distractions. Instead, we let her feel the boredom and create her own joy.

She built intricate Lego cities, learned to wave board, discovered audio books, and visited every museum in town with her grandfather. That time was priceless—hard, yes, but also full of self-growth.

Final Thoughts: Let the Shake-Up Change You

If you’re preparing for a big move—don’t fear it.
Let it shake the stability. Let it create conversations. Let your kids feel the feelings. Let them miss home.

But also…
✔ Involve them in decisions
✔ Create new routines together
✔ Celebrate small wins
✔ Let them get bored (it’s secretly wonderful)
 ✔ Let the change change you—for the better

About the Author

Archana Patni is a former broadcast journalist turned cross-cultural leadership consultant, working across Boston, Bangalore, and Singapore. A full-time mum, part-time yogi, and forever lover of rasta music.