NRI Family Moving to India: Help Kids Adjust to Lifestyle Changes?

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It depends on which Tier 2 city you are planning to relocate to...
Yes, it's a fact that some Tier 2 city schools may lack the infrastructure to support extra curricular activities or what a larger school in a Tier 1 city can offer. Also, since your son has been in New Delhi for the past few years which are the most impressionable years, please expect adjustment problems in terms of social adjustment within school and friends...

Do prepare him adequately for the major change and who knows he might also like it as much as you and your husband do...But plan and prepare him for this change...Take his opinion into consideration before taking the decision to make that shift...maybe you can use the summer holidays for your son to have a feel of what a Tier 2 city is like and what it means to live there long-term. This should also help you and your husband to take that final call on this...

All the best!

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You don't prefer the 'toxicity'!
You are afraid of big cities as criminal activities are more than the cities!
Your parents may not move in to the city but you also find the environment they are in toxic!
You feel some people can't see you growing!
You don't prefer going abroad as you want to business in India!

Can you see how you have restricted yourself? This is called having a dream BUT clipping one's own wings. How can you make a decision when there are so many self-imposed constraints?
I suggest:
- Drop down all the options possible
- List down the pros and cons of each
- Choose the one that is financially viable
- Let your parents choose where they want to live

You have just started your family life; focus on what's best from a growth perspective...take decisions that help your marriage and career grow...And oh, you can choose to see the crime in the city OR you can choose to see opportunities...where is your focus?

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: Hi there,

Returning to India for your son's education can be a good choice, especially considering his aptitude in science and math. India has a robust education system with numerous opportunities for students excelling in these subjects. Here are some considerations and steps to prepare for the transition:

Considerations:
1. Curriculum Differences: The education system and curriculum in India might be different from what your son is used to in Dubai. Research the various boards (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, IB, etc.) to find the best fit for him.

2. School Selection: Look for schools known for their strong science and math programs. Consider their facilities, faculty, extracurricular activities, and overall environment.

3. Entrance Exams: In India, competitive exams play a significant role in higher education. Start familiarizing your son with exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering, the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), and the Olympiads for science and math.

4. Cultural Adjustment: Moving back to India will involve cultural adjustments. Engage your son in conversations about the changes and prepare him mentally for the shift.

Preparation Steps:
1. Academic Preparation:
- Bridge Courses: Enroll him in bridge courses to align his knowledge with the Indian curriculum.
- Additional Tutoring: Consider extra tutoring in subjects where he might need more support to catch up or excel.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Encourage participation in extracurricular activities related to science and math. Robotics clubs, coding classes, and science fairs can be great platforms.

3. Soft Skills Development:
- Language Skills: If his primary language of instruction changes, ensure he gets the necessary language support.
- Social Skills: Engage him in group activities and social gatherings to help him build a network of friends.

4. Mental and Emotional Support:
- Counseling: Consider professional counseling to help him cope with the transition.
- Family Support: Ensure a supportive home environment where he can freely express his concerns and feelings.

5. Visit Schools:
- Before finalizing the move, visit potential schools with your son. This will give him a sense of involvement and help him adjust better.

Returning to India can open up numerous opportunities for your son, especially given his strengths in science and math. With the right preparation and support, he can thrive in the Indian education system.