Homesickness—now, that’s a word that packs a punch, doesn’t it? We’ve all felt it at some point in our lives, whether it was during our first sleepover, college days, or when we moved away from family for the first time. But when it’s your child who’s dealing with homesickness, it feels different. As a parent, watching your child miss home while trying to navigate a new environment can be heart-wrenching.
So, what can we do? How can we help our children cope with the emotional rollercoaster of missing home?
Let’s dive into some practical strategies that might just make this transition a little easier for both of you.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Roots of Homesickness
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of dealing with homesickness, it’s important to understand where it’s coming from. Homesickness isn’t just about missing your house or the comfort of your own bed. It’s about craving familiarity—the smells, sounds, routines, and, of course, the people who make a place feel like home.
When children are suddenly placed in a new environment—whether it’s a new school, a summer camp, or moving to a different country—their world feels topsy-turvy. They’re out of their comfort zone, surrounded by new faces, and all the things they used to rely on for comfort aren’t there anymore. It’s no wonder they start longing for the safety net of home.
Sharing Personal Experiences
I remember when we first moved to Bali for my job. My daughter, who was always the adventurous type, suddenly became quiet and withdrawn. She missed her friends, her grandparents, and even the cold, rainy weather back home (who would’ve thought?). It took us a while to realize that she was dealing with homesickness. She didn’t know how to express what she was feeling, and we were so caught up in our own adjustments that we missed the signs at first.
That experience taught me a valuable lesson: kids might not always say they’re homesick, but they’ll show it in other ways. As parents, it’s our job to tune into those signals and offer the support they need—even when they can’t ask for it outright.
Encouraging Open Communication
One of the most important things we can do to help our children deal with homesickness is to encourage them to talk about their feelings. It sounds simple, but in the chaos of adjusting to a new place, these conversations can easily get lost.
Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you miss most about home?” or “Is there anything here that you wish was more like back home?” These questions can open the door to a deeper conversation about what’s really bothering them.
And remember, it’s okay if they’re upset. Validate their feelings instead of brushing them off with a quick “You’ll get over it” or “It’ll be better soon.” Sometimes, just knowing that it’s okay to miss home can make a huge difference.
Creating New Routines
Another powerful strategy for dealing with homesickness is to establish new routines that can bring a sense of familiarity and stability to your child’s day. Routines can be as simple as having a family movie night every Friday or cooking a favorite meal together once a week. These small, consistent activities can help anchor your child in their new environment.
When we were settling in Bali, we started a weekly “Bali adventure day.” Every weekend, we’d explore a new part of the island—whether it was a hidden beach, a local market, or a new restaurant. Over time, these adventures became something my daughter looked forward to, and they helped her feel more connected to our new home.
Staying Connected with Loved Ones
Technology is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Even when we’re thousands of miles away, it allows us to stay connected with the people we care about. Set up regular video calls with family and friends back home. This can be especially comforting for children who are dealing with homesickness, as it helps them maintain those important connections.
But here’s a tip: try not to let these calls become a crutch. While it’s important to stay connected, it’s equally important for your child to start forming new relationships and experiences in their new environment.
Encouraging Independence and Exploration
Sometimes, the best way to help your child cope with homesickness is to encourage them to step out of their comfort zone. This might seem counterintuitive at first, but helping your child become more independent and explore their new surroundings can actually reduce feelings of homesickness.
Encourage them to join a club, try out a new sport, or make friends with other children in the neighborhood. The more they immerse themselves in their new environment, the less they’ll focus on what they’re missing from home.
Being Patient and Supportive
Dealing with homesickness is a process—it doesn’t disappear overnight. Your child might be fine one day and then suddenly feel a wave of sadness the next. Be patient. Offer support when they need it, and give them space when they want to figure things out on their own.
It’s also important to remind yourself that it’s okay if your child doesn’t immediately fall in love with their new surroundings. Adjusting to change takes time, and each child will handle it in their own way.
Looking to the Future
One of the most effective ways of dealing with homesickness is to focus on the positive aspects of the new environment. Help your child set goals or make plans for things they’re excited about in their new home. Whether it’s learning a new language, making friends, or simply trying out all the different ice cream flavors at the local shop, focusing on the future can make the present feel a little less daunting.
