We had no idea what to expect when we packed our prized possessions, including much loved teddy bears and doodoos (aka blankets) and a few pictures of the family we would be leaving behind.
We left for Belgium on July 1 st with our 8 month and 4 year old and a whole bunch of luggage. As we sat on the plane getting ready for takeoff I had a moment of panic and couldn’t help but wonder what we just got ourselves into. Seriously, who decides to leave the comfort of their home with a baby and a toddler to fly across the ocean to a place they have never been to? It turns out it was the best decision we have ever made!
Raising our children in a foreign country has been an incredible experience and adventure. We have been exposed to so many new traditions and cultural experiences beyond our wildest imagination. This experience has changed the way we see the world (for the better). We explored the local playgrounds, castles, cities and markets. We had our first taste of real Belgium waffles, fries with any type of mayo you can imagine, and of course Belgium chocolate (a family favorite).
Shortly after our arrival we enrolled our son into a local kindergarten and settled into our new life in Europe. Our reasoning for choosing a Belgium school over a Canadian/ international school was to help our children integrate into the Belgium society. Our decision seems to be paying off as our son has made many close friends with the local children who can give him an experience beyond what we as parents can offer. He now knows Sint-Nicilaas (legendary figure based on Saint-Nicholas, patron of children) will bring goodies and leave inside his shoes on the eve of December 5th.
I am not saying it was an easy, stress-free, overnight transition. Within the first few weeks of starting school my son wanted to return back to Canada with his friends and ‘old’ nursery school. I did not understand, I mean really how hard could it be? After all, he was only 4 years old. What I did not take into consideration is the frustration my son would feel when the other children could not understand his mixed language of Canadian French and English. His teacher did not understand what he was asking as English was not a language they learn here in our area and the French was much different compared to Quebec. However, it didn’t take long for him to learn the language and traditions from his peers and by Christmas he was settled into his new school.
I am hoping that we made the right decision to send our children to a local school ( I say them as my daughter will be starting this fall at the age of 3). Hopefully this choice will help them feel a part of the Belgium community during our time here and allow them a sense of belonging no matter where life takes us. Moving abroad with children is a challenge, but not one that should prevent you from going ahead with the new adventures that wait you and your family. Children are extremely resilient and adaptable.
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