The Emotional Load of Expat Mums
One of the things that doesn’t get talked about enough in expat life is the emotional load many mums are carrying in silence. It's not just the logistics of moves, schools, visas, and routines, there’s the emotional side of it too. Being excited and grateful for the opportunity to live abroad, while also feeling nervous, lonely, or overwhelmed by what daily life actually looks like. While we're managing our own emotions, many of us are also supporting our partner’s career, holding our children’s feelings and emotions, and trying to create some sense of “home” in an totally unfamiliar place. And then there's the tug of family back home and carrying the guilt of not wanting to sound like we’re complaining about seemingly glamorous life. It’s a constant balancing act, and it’s a lot to hold, especially when most of us keep all of that to ourselves and just "keep calm and carry on". So if you’re an expat and this resonates with you, I just want you to know that I see you. And if you know someone else who's an expat, please be kind. As incredible it is to have opportunity to travel in this way, it’s not always what it looks like on the outside.