Being a parent anywhere is not easy. Being a parent overseas brings with it unique challenges as well as opportunities. For most children raised overseas, the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks.
Compared to their peers back home, they seem better able to deal with cultural and racial differences. They develop a broader world view, seeing issues in terms of various shades of grey rather than as black or white. They also have the potential to develop closer relationships with their parents and siblings.
Growing up overseas, however, is not an unmitigated blessing. Some children struggle with identity issues, which can be a source of stress. Children with physical, emotional or learning disabilities may find limited resources to meet their needs.
Raising children overseas can create some different and added demands on parents including:
- Helping children cope with transition. The overseas setting is a transient one. If your child is not the newcomer, then they often are about to lose their best friend. This provides an opportunity for your child to learn valuable social skills for connecting quickly with others, while it may also work against the development of skills needed to maintain long-term intimate relationships. Another effect of the transient overseas environment is that the nuclear family becomes the “anchor,” the source of stability in a changing environment. This often brings closeness, but may mean it is harder to break away as they go on to university.
- Teaching children responsibility. Many overseas environments can put children in a more dependent role than they are accustomed to back home. As a result, teaching responsibility is an issue which requires special emphasis. Many teens who might take an after school job may find these possibilities restricted overseas. Household help common in many countries may limit their sharing in household chores.
- Setting limits. International communities encompass a wide diversity of values and beliefs about what is and what is not appropriate behavior for children. Parents often don’t know which situations are safe for their children and which are not. They are often torn between wanting their children to make friends and be accepted, yet at the same time, wanting to ensure that they as parents provide limits which help ensure their children’s safety.
The small size of the international youth community often allows for problems to be spotted early, especially when your child attends an international school. Generally, this translates into a setting where parents could have a degree of influence far beyond that which is possible back home. Both an exciting and a scary possibility for parents.
What worries you about raising your child overseas?
If you would like to continue this work with me, then schedule a free trial coaching session.
If you want to stop focusing on what you’ve given up and start creating the life you want abroad, then contact me now.
Do you find yourself questioning your decision to move abroad? Do you want to start feeling better now?
If so, then you need to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to work with me, your Certified Life Coach and fellow expat.
Can’t wait to work with you.
Right here is the perfect site for everyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need toÖHaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!