Many people think about moving abroad with children, but not everyone fulfills their relocation dream. There are so many uncontrollable outside factors. There are, however, many other factors that you can control.
I have received so many beautiful comments, reviews and emails from my recently published book Moving to Spain with Children, that I am planning a second book.
Book one was written to assist people in the decision-making process when thinking about moving to Spain with children. It was not written to sell the dream. It includes essential information and personal anecdotes.
My second book will share our love of this wonderful country, where we have chosen to enjoy our family life. Spain is such a wonderful place for children to live and grow up. It will include more practical and essential information and a few more personal stories.
Today, I would like to share the opening chapter with you.
Photo by Sheila Roberts Photography
This is the moment I decided that I would be moving abroad with children. I didn’t know which country it would be. I left that to destiny …
I remember the moment well. I was stretched out on the rocks, soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine, on the island of Malta. I was enjoying a week of sun worshiping with mum and a close family friend.
It was early afternoon, the rays were beating down, the only sounds were the occasional splashes as the waves gently lapped against the rocks on which we lay.
And then they arrived. The same group as yesterday. Shrieks of laughter and excited chatter, at a rather loud volume, broke our relaxed silence. A group of young children hurtled onto the beach, discarding any excess clothing as they ran and launched themselves into the crystal clear waters.
School was over for the day and this was their way of spending the summer afternoons.
That was the moment.
Although only twenty years old, that was the moment I realised that that was the kind of life I wanted for my own children.
The actual thought of one day getting married or even having children had never actually entered my mind. But the seed was planted. I’m known for planting seeds.
That day in Malta was back in 1990.
Skype chats with clients from here.
As I write this, November 2014, I am sitting in the midday sunshine in my garden in southern Spain. I am anxious to get finished as my two amazing children will soon be home from school. My work will be put aside and we will sit down at the table to enjoy our main meal of the day, as a family.
As in many Spanish households, our main meal is enjoyed at lunchtime. On weekdays, my husband collects the children from the school bus at around 2.20pm, they walk the 5 minute stroll back to our house (funnily enough we are the only ones who walk, this is commented on by all the elderly neighbours), and we all sit down to together to eat, discuss the day at school, homework and make plans for the afternoon.
The seed that was planted 24 years ago developed incredibly strong roots and is now producing a bumper harvest. A harvest big enough to be enjoyed and shared by many. A harvest full or experiences, knowledge and roller coaster rides.
When people ask about where we live and what we do, they often refer to us as “lucky”.
I hear myself saying “we’re really lucky because…” when talking about our children, our life and what we do.
Yet, in all honesty, “luck” is only a very tiny part of the big truth. We never take what we have for granted. Most days I hear the children chiming “Yes mum. You always say that mum”, giggling, as I point out how blue the sky is, how amazing the sunset is and how big and blue the sea looks.
Enjoying family life in Spain may appear to be a dream for many people, but the reality is often very different. However, if you are prepared to put the effort in the results can be better than you could ever have imagined.
In Spain, family comes first. Children are not only seen but also heard and welcomed with loving, open arms. Children stay children for longer.
When we chose to have children, we chose to change our lives. Living here allows us to do this.
Would we call that “luck”?
Well, maybe.
Photo by Sheila Roberts Photography
Do you remember the moment when you knew you would be moving abroad with children? When you decided you wanted to offer your children a better life, by moving to another country? We’d love to hear your story.
If you are moving to Spain and are considering the Malaga, Costa del Sol region, Contact Us now.
If you are thinking about moving to any part of Spain, Look Inside our Book and send us your questions. We are here to help you get it right first time.
