In addition to difficult pre-migratory experiences, the migration process also results in challenging socio-economic conditions for most refugee claimants. This study reports on in-depth interviews conducted with refugee claimant children and their parents at a paediatric hospital in Montreal, Canada. A dyadic analysis of their responses reveals that children and adult refugee claimants encounter disparate migratory experiences and live the relocation process differently. Most children, particularly younger ones, undergo the separation from their home countries more easily and experience fewer barriers to social network rebuilding. This results in an easier adaptation to their host society. Nevertheless, they remain at risk because of the difficulties experienced by their parents. Implications for policy and services are discussed.