Raised my kids in 3 different countries; best lessons I still use

March 5, 2026 - 11:11

Raising children across three distinct nations—the United States, Australia, and Switzerland—provided a unique education in adaptability and cultural values. The most enduring lessons weren't about specific rules, but about flexible principles that translate anywhere.

A key takeaway is the immense value of unstructured outdoor time, a priority strongly emphasized during our years in Switzerland and Australia. Regardless of the climate, daily time in nature became non-negotiable. It builds resilience, sparks creativity, and provides a crucial counterbalance to structured activities and screens. This practice fostered a lifelong appreciation for the environment in my children.

Furthermore, living abroad teaches that there is no single "right" way to do things. From educational approaches to social norms, every culture offers a valid alternative. This experience taught our family to approach differences with curiosity rather than judgment. We learned to selectively integrate what resonated with us, creating our own family culture—a blend of American optimism, Australian casual resilience, and Swiss community-mindedness.

Ultimately, this global journey underscored that core values matter more than geography. Kindness, respect, and effort are universal currencies. By focusing on these fundamentals while remaining open to the world's diverse wisdom, we built a stable family identity that isn't tied to one place, but can thrive anywhere.