Raising kids around the world

I get this question a lot, "do you prefer raising your children in Europe or America?" The honest answer is, I wish I could raise them in both places. Well - that's my plan. Let me back up, for those who are new, I lived overseas with my family for 10 years - during that time we had 3 children. We lived in France, Italy, Israel, Poland, Turkey, and Spain. During the summers, we traveled home to America.

So, when we decided to move home full-time it was a big change in our parenting (oooh! This will be a post for another day - Coming back to America). Being in Europe, life moves at a slower pace - so you really experience quality time. I remember going to the playgrounds and seeing parents and grandparents (from the same family) all watching one kid on a Tuesday. That was bizarre to me when I first moved to France.

But, sometimes I wanted an American childhood for them. American traditions are worldwide - everyone knows how we celebrate holidays. Don't get me wrong, Europe goes all out for Christmas (it's magical), but we take the cake on Valentine's day, Easter, St. Patty's day, etc.

So, there were times that I wished my kids could trick-or-treat with their neighborhood friends - those are memories I still have today.

The kis have had their fair share of fourth of July hoildays and Juneteenth and plenty of end-of-summer cookouts - I'm thankful for that. I do miss being in a country where guns are not as easy accessible as it is here. I miss the ease of knowing that your kids could be kids (for the most part). While I'm thankful for my kids' school here and how precautious they are - it was not a great feeling explaining what a lockdown is if there is a gun in the area. I miss the healthcare system in Europe, I do enjoy my American salary. It is a give and take for me, but I have a solution.

Travel with your kids (I'm on a roll - adding this to my upcoming post list). Seriously, traveling with your kids is an amazing way for them to experience new cultures. As much as I love the beach, going to cities abroad and wandering through the streets is a sure way to immerse yourself in that culture.

Although we never lived in Germany or the Netherlands, we would take the kids by car, plane, or train (another plus - it's not as expensive to travel in Europe), on mini trips there. We wandered through the streets in the centre in Berlin and along the canal in Amsterdam, stopping in museums or asking what place serves the best local cuisine.

The food! Wow, it's a major difference. I hated coming home in the summers because I always gained weight instantly and felt bloated. But, I just have to be very conscious when eating here versus there. I do miss Europe and I know my kids do as well, but there are so many opportunities in America for all of us and although we love traveling, there's nothing like home.

Here's something to get you started. I 100% love this list from U.S. News. Click here.