Ok ladies, I need your advice (again!) :)
My husband came home last week and told me that an email had been sent out at his office requesting a "show of hands" for those who would be interested in relocating to a temporary project office in Australia for 3 years. We decided to throw our hat in the ring and will see what happens (if they take the project, if we get assigned to it, etc.).
How many of you have lived abroad with children? What kind of things should I be thinking about? If they get the project and we are assigned to it, it would start this year, so we'd have to figure things out fast (sell our house, car, etc.) I am due in Nov. with baby #3 and we have a 3 year old and 20 month old currently. I am not really sure what kind of things I should be considering when thinking about moving abroad with little kids.
Your thoughts and any applicable experience is greatly appreciated!!!
J.
I think that would be awesome! not that I'm some super knowledgeable person on this subject but I have been to Austrailia. It's a great country and the people are great. It's very western and I think would be an easy transition for your kids. Especially since they are young and you wouldn't have to worry about school right now.
FUN FUN!
I have no living abroad with children experience. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity. I guess the big thing that came to mind was that you're expecting, and if I were in your shoes, I'd be concerned about medical care, and finding an OB and a hospital I could trust in case of any unforseen issues for either you or the baby. Will you be living close to a good hospital? Or will you have to travel several miles to get care? Will you be able to secure a nanny to help with the children while you are at the hospital, and perhaps after until you are on your feet again?
I guess that would be the biggie for me. Of course school and socialization are important too. But I think these things are easier dealt with. Especially if your husband's company has had offices in Australia for sometime. You will surely have a network of people that can make suggestions for school and will make you feel at home. But you can't necessarily find a good doctor or a skilled one who is sympathetic to your needs in the case of any issues that may arise before or during birth.
If you get the opportunity have fun, and good luck!
Hi J.!
OOOH!!! That sounds so exciting! I have never moved abroad, but I did relocate with a 15 month old. With th move brought a lot of change. Minnesota's health care is different from my home state, I had to find new doctors, dentists, grocery stores, where the nearest hospital was and how to get there (just to find out later that I should never go there because of it's reputation). Things took a while, but it has been great. I've made a lot of new friends and learned how to completely depend on myself (my husband is gone for work all the time). It's been an experience I would not trade ina million years. And you'd be moving to Australia! That's a great place and at least they speak English! However, one bit of advice, I would try to wait until after the baby is born. Being away from family and friends and your trusted doctor makes me nervous. I think about what are the older children going to do when I am in labor. Who's going to watch them? Who's going to help out the immediate days after delivery? That's just my feelings on it. Other than that, go for it! Things have away of working themselves out in the long haul.
Good Luck!
We had our 2 oldest while we were living in Ireland. It was very different environment then when we lived back here. They were just starting to get things in place for some kid activities like Little Gym (kid gymnastics), they did not have alot of things like you learn to expect here. There was no ECFE type things there is not a community education where you can sign you kids up for different things. They did have Mom groups or play groups, but it was very hard to find. I knew of 1 breastfeeding support group and 1 of the Mom's was try to get a play group together. In Ireland they start school younger. Kids start Kindergarten at 4. So your little guy might be going into school when you get there.
The really nice thing that we miss alot is the total lack or responsibility outside our yourselves. You don't have a house that needs to be maintained (depending where you live), no yard, non of the other distractions that take you away from spending time with eachother. So at nights and weekends it's all you. It's easy to go on day trips places. Quick pack a picnic and head out for no other reason then you can. We really miss the carefree nature.
I don't know what Australia will have for kids to do. So if your used to being active with alot of people you may want to ask the question. They should have a person that works on relocating people down there. But if your used to finding entertainment by yourself with your kids, that shouldn't be an issue.
It can get lonely without family. Be prepared for that. The important thing is to make friends with people your husband works with or your neighbors. But you'll need an urban family to help you. If nothing else someone to recommend a good Dr. or baby sitter.
Hope this helps a little and I didn't scare you off. It is a wonderful experience living abround. And if you didn't you'll always wonder "what if".
Good Luck, hope you guys get the job. I would love to live in Australia for a few years.
