Hi! This is all very preliminary since my husband is only looking into working in Basel and is trying to convince me that this will be a good experience for our family. As a mom of three kids (ages 5, 7 and 10) in elementary school here in the US, I am, of course, considering all the ramifications of such a big move. Especially since none of us speak the language and most especially, my middle child has some emotional/behavioral issues that impact his school experience.
If you're still with me, here goes with some background....my husband can apply to work in Basel and given that it will be a position for about 2 years, I assume that we should look into having the kids attend an international school. We would be coming back to the States afterwards and work provides an educational stipend.
I am most concerned re: my middle child who really has anxiety and sensory issues that can interfere w/ his school life. Otherwise, he is a relatively normal kid who is super smart and wants to do well in school (doesn't have autism/Asperger's or developmental delays). Here in the States, he has had an IEP (Individual Education Plan) since preschool which provides him with social skills group in addition to an in-class aide who is available to help when he 'shuts down'. This is in addition to a lot of private psychological help/support. Some examples of what I mean by 'shutting down'-1) teacher will ask the class to do a writing task but my son might end up refusing to do it/crying/crunching up in a corner because he wasn't clear on the instructions and couldn't just ask for more help. 2)cried and didn't want to participate in gym class because he was 'confused by the complicated rules'. Turns out he just needed someone to explain the 'basic' rule that you can only touch the basketball with one hand and then show him how to dribble. However, gym and recess are difficult areas for him due to the sensory overload of being surrounded by loud noises and running children.
So, my main question is this...would the schools be able to accommodate someone like him? He really needs teachers who can be understanding, patient and soft-spoken since yelling and being 'tough' just worsens the situation. I'm sure the transition to a foreign country will be a bit difficult for all of us, but I worry for my child. I also don't want to undo all the progress we have made over the years if we can not get similar support overseas...especially since this move is going to be voluntary. What is the overall Swiss attitude re: emotional problems/mental illness? It's hard enough to ignore the stares here in the US when we are out to dinner and my son is crying and not wanting to sit down at a restaurant table. People may think he's being a brat but if they asked, he is frightened by the painting hanging next to the table (another example re: anxiety).
Terrified that we might make a mistake moving overseas, but at the same time, hoping that an experience like this will help him grow. He actually told me that he was 'okay' with moving to Switzerland but I'm not sure if he really understands what that means! (he's only 7!)
Thanks in advance for reading and giving me any input!
PS-Also, we are Asian Americans...so, if anyone can give me any insight on racial issues since I'm thinking we will stand out over there??!?
If you're still with me, here goes with some background....my husband can apply to work in Basel and given that it will be a position for about 2 years, I assume that we should look into having the kids attend an international school. We would be coming back to the States afterwards and work provides an educational stipend.
I am most concerned re: my middle child who really has anxiety and sensory issues that can interfere w/ his school life. Otherwise, he is a relatively normal kid who is super smart and wants to do well in school (doesn't have autism/Asperger's or developmental delays). Here in the States, he has had an IEP (Individual Education Plan) since preschool which provides him with social skills group in addition to an in-class aide who is available to help when he 'shuts down'. This is in addition to a lot of private psychological help/support. Some examples of what I mean by 'shutting down'-1) teacher will ask the class to do a writing task but my son might end up refusing to do it/crying/crunching up in a corner because he wasn't clear on the instructions and couldn't just ask for more help. 2)cried and didn't want to participate in gym class because he was 'confused by the complicated rules'. Turns out he just needed someone to explain the 'basic' rule that you can only touch the basketball with one hand and then show him how to dribble. However, gym and recess are difficult areas for him due to the sensory overload of being surrounded by loud noises and running children.
So, my main question is this...would the schools be able to accommodate someone like him? He really needs teachers who can be understanding, patient and soft-spoken since yelling and being 'tough' just worsens the situation. I'm sure the transition to a foreign country will be a bit difficult for all of us, but I worry for my child. I also don't want to undo all the progress we have made over the years if we can not get similar support overseas...especially since this move is going to be voluntary. What is the overall Swiss attitude re: emotional problems/mental illness? It's hard enough to ignore the stares here in the US when we are out to dinner and my son is crying and not wanting to sit down at a restaurant table. People may think he's being a brat but if they asked, he is frightened by the painting hanging next to the table (another example re: anxiety).
Terrified that we might make a mistake moving overseas, but at the same time, hoping that an experience like this will help him grow. He actually told me that he was 'okay' with moving to Switzerland but I'm not sure if he really understands what that means! (he's only 7!)
Thanks in advance for reading and giving me any input!
PS-Also, we are Asian Americans...so, if anyone can give me any insight on racial issues since I'm thinking we will stand out over there??!?