Hassan has been living in Greece for many years. He has memories from the best days of the country, but also much to say for the economic crisis. His family is here with him too, his wife and his daughter. He works at a gas station in Liosion street and if somebody asks him what was the biggest difficulty in this epic journey he will reply that it was the adjustment of his daughter to a new reality.
It is quite reasonable a family migration to be very difficult for small children, whatever their age. It is a decision that their parents made for them without asking and now they will have to live with the consequences. It is a fact that the bigger the age of the child, the harder it is for it to accept migration. All these changes look completely different to the eyes of 2 year old and a 12 year old child. The most important thing that parents should do is explain to their children the reasons that made them take that decision, their dreams and hopes, the opportunities they believe that the new country offers and how much better the life of all family members can be.
The adjustment of a child in a different country from the one it was born and raised takes time. It is not necessarily difficult, but it is 100% easier if the child believes that his family is sure about this big step. The child has to feel that the whole family is united against this new reality and whatever happens they will deal with it together. Parents should not transfer their fear and anxiety to their children. Children on the other hand should feel that they can tell everything to their parents, every feeling and deep thought. Parents are the ones who should also explain to their children that it is not bad to keep habits from their original country, as also to adopt new elements from the new one.
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