For expat families, timing can be everything when trying to find places for their kids in creches, kindergartens, schools and sporting clubs. Missing out will impact one parent’s ability to adjust or even make plans.
Knock-on effect
Every year without fail we hear from a number of expat partners who couldn’t find a place in daycare / elementary school after relocating. This will always have had a knock-on effect on their adjustment. The situation means they will be a full-time stay-at-home mum or dad, sometimes for a lengthy period. They might not have wished to join the workforce. But perhaps they had other plans – such as studying, or volunteering – which will have to be deferred.
Caught unawares
If they have been caught unawares, it can be an especially frustrating time in their life. Even after they put their kids on a waiting list, they may be unsure if their kid will get a place. The situation may lead to emotional problems (a loss of identity, feeling fed up and unfulfilled, or even feeling guilty about not enjoying being a stay-at-home mum/dad). There may even be feelings of resentment (aimed at their spouse and/or the assigning company). After all they may have paused their own career to facilitate an international move, a ‘move’ which means they are now left in limbo.
Support for all situations
As providers of partner support, Global Connection’s consultants are always on hand to help an expat partner ascertain their needs and explore options (as we would do in any situation). In some cases, the consultant will recommend that the partner speak with a coach to help them figure out how they can adapt to the challenging circumstances and take positive steps.
Forewarned is forearmed
We highlight this topic fully aware that mobility specialists can do nothing about the shortage of childcare (common across the EU and also an issue in the US, Australia and Japan), let alone the high cost of childminders and full-time nannies in the same countries. But if assigning companies’ mobility teams can give the expat partners a heads up (that childcare is not readily available in the host country and there may be long waiting lists), they will also be giving the expat partner a chance to mentally prepare themselves – to be forewarned is to be forearmed, as the old proverb goes.
