New partner with child moving in (from abroad)

[Church of Noise]

Looking for some PH wisdom here.

After being together for a while, my girlfriend and I decided she will move in with me.
Now, there are a couple of specifics about our situation:

• We live +- 1300 km (ie 800 miles) away currently, so 'being together' has been somewhat different from other cases, especially in the last few months. Additionally, our native languages are different (we communicate in English, fwiw)
• She has a 11-year old son who seems to be showing first signs of puberty in his behaviour, yet is generally a sweet if introvert child. (gf has full custody, and we would pop over regularly so there is frequent contact with the family, including the biological father with whom both my gf and I have a good connection

So, I was wondering if any PHers had some wisdom to share on how to tackle things such as

• how to ensure the child feels welcome and can adapt to the new situation in the most 'easy' way possible
• how learning a new language could be handled in the best way for the child
• how I can help/take up a role in the kid's education
• etc etc.

Gf and I obviously have already started arranging things, but it's probably wise to get advise from people who have been there (instead of trying to figure everything out ourselves for instance).

Additionally, any suggestions for books are definitely also very welcome!

[Eric Mc]

What country is the GF from?

[trickywoo]

Have you read 'A short history of tractors in Ukrainian'?

[The spinner of plates]

Can't give you any advice I'm afraid, but wishing you good luck.

[Petrus1983]

My ex had an 11 year old and she was on the XBox with a game called Fortnite a lot - they play it with their friends online so find out if he has any similar things that he plays. It could be a good way for him to stay in touch with his friends rather than feel totally isolated.

Good luck!

[Mastodon2]

How does the kid feel about this?