Happy parents and happy children make happy families. While returning to the U.S. may be difficult for children and teens, it can be equally difficult on parents.
Why? Here are a few of the reasons:
- Parents may be facing additional financial pressures,
- may need to find work,
- may have more responsibilities in the home
- may have difficulty finding social groups
- may not speak English as their native language
- may feel isolated at home
- may not be familiar with the DC area
What to do?
- Be patient and forgiving with yourself
- Exercise
- Find the humor in the difficult moments
- Join the school PTA and attend some meetings
- Take a class or join a club
- Get to know your neighbors, your library, your county government
- Connect with FS parents!
Connecting with Other FS Parents
FSYF: That's us! If you're interested in volunteering your time and staying connected with FS families, get involved with FSYF! Explore our website and complete a volunteer application.
AAFSW has a Foreign Born Spouses Group at AAFSW and a great listserve of very supportive FS families. Post a question or concern and you'll get a ton of great advice (membership required)
Foreign Service Institute's Transition Center
Other Local Groups:
"Mom Groups": There are many mothers groups, based on one's county or town. Try googling 'Moms of...(insert your region)"
Your children's school Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
Getting involved in your child's school is a great way to familiarize yourself with your local community and develop ties that can benefit you, your child and your whole family.
