Introduction:
Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, offering a chance to immerse oneself in a new culture and gain unique experiences. However, for expatriates, the decision to relocate often comes with a mix of emotions and concerns, especially when it involves the wellbeing of their family and children. As you step into the uncharted territory of a foreign country, you may find that you place the welfare of your loved ones above you own adjustment. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and shed light on the challenges and triumphs faced by expat families as they navigate their way through unfamiliar territories.
The Protective Instinct:
From the moment a family makes the decision to relocate, their primary concern revolves around ensuring their loved ones are safe, happy, and secure in the new environment. Parents are inherently wired to protect and care for their children, and this instinct becomes magnified in an unfamiliar setting. The fear of the unknown, language barriers, cultural differences, and social challenges only serve to heighten the expat's concern for their family's wellbeing.
In an expatriate family, the emotional and psychological stability of the children is of paramount importance. You must cope with the upheaval of leaving behind your familiar surroundings, friends, and schools. Expats are acutely aware of the potential impact such changes can have on their children's mental health and development, leading them to prioritize their offspring's adjustment over their own.
Support Systems and Loneliness:
For adults, the challenges of living in a foreign country can be daunting, often leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In such situations, the presence of a supportive family can provide a vital lifeline, offering encouragement, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Consequently, expats may sacrifice their own adjustment to ensure their family members have a strong support system to rely on. This is something to be acutely aware of and you should ensure you make proper arrangements to guard your own wellbeing.
Parenting in a Foreign Land:
Parenting abroad can present unique challenges. Not only do expat parents have to deal with the usual trials of raising a family, but they must also navigate unfamiliar cultural norms and customs. These differences can impact parenting styles, educational choices, and even healthcare decisions. Striving to make the best choices for your children, you may put your own adaptation on hold until you have established a stable environment for your family. While this is a noble decision, it may not be best one for you in the long-run.
Education and Opportunities:
A significant factor in the decision to relocate is often the pursuit of better education and opportunities for the children. Many expat families move to countries with reputable education systems or job prospects, hoping to provide their children with a brighter future. By prioritizing their family's education and career opportunities, expats willingly accept the challenges of adjusting to a foreign culture, seeing it as an investment in their children's long-term success.
Cultural Considerations:
Culture shock is a common experience for anyone moving to a foreign country, but for expat families, it can be a shared ordeal. Adapting to new traditions, norms, and values becomes a collective effort, with the family unit supporting each other through the process. In doing so, expats create a stable foundation for their children to thrive, even if it means their own cultural adjustment takes a backseat.
Sense of Responsibility:
Expatriates often view the decision to move as a personal choice, but it is not a decision made in isolation. The responsibility of uprooting the family and exposing them to a new way of life may weigh heavily on you. This sense of responsibility motivates you to put the family's wellbeing first, ensuring your children are content and fulfilled before focusing on your own adjustment.
In the End:
The expatriate journey is a remarkable adventure filled with challenges and rewards. While adapting to a foreign country can be overwhelming, it is important that expat families prioritizw the wellbeing of all members of the family. Here at MCS International, we endeavour to set you and your family up for success overseas! Reach out to us today for coaching the works for you!