A Simple Life: Why We Choose Not to Raise Our Daughter in the U.S.
Written on
Chapter 1: The Decision to Raise Our Daughter Abroad
Our daughter, who was born in Los Angeles, will soon celebrate her second birthday. My Danish husband and I often discuss the kind of future we envision for her. I find myself wishing I could feel content raising our child in America, but the reality is that I don’t.
The underlying reason for our choice is a desire for a simpler life.
This simplicity means being able to engage with others without the constant fear of offending someone. It means not having to constantly relearn what is considered inappropriate. It means fostering an environment where people coexist peacefully.
It also means having the freedom to ride bikes wherever we wish and only relying on a car when necessary. Walking should be a way of life, not just a leisure activity.
In our vision, a friendly stranger interacting with our daughter wouldn’t raise alarms; she could walk to school on her own without fear. Our dog would be free to roam without a leash, and no one would object.
We want our daughter’s early years to be filled with play, not overshadowed by performance pressures. We envision her playing outdoors instead of being confined to a classroom. In our ideal scenario, nature-based and play-focused education is the standard, not a luxury we can’t afford.
We imagine a community where school safety doesn’t require barriers and where basic items like deodorants are readily accessible. A life where my daughter won’t need to participate in active shooter drills is a priority.
Meals should be savored, enjoyed together at a table, rather than consumed hurriedly in a car. We long for fresh, high-quality food that is both plentiful and affordable, so we never have to face the absurdity of overpriced groceries.
In this simpler life, people value enjoyment over material wealth and prioritize relationships over personal accolades. Life should be filled with simple pleasures: time with family, good friends, the beauty of nature, delicious food, and fine wine.
We aim to escape the financial burdens of exorbitant housing costs and the necessity of saving for years to afford a basic education. We want the assurance that if our daughter falls ill, we won’t be overwhelmed by medical expenses. We seek a life where the news doesn’t induce anxiety and where people aren’t divided by extremes or filled with unrest.
Achieving this simplicity is challenging, and perhaps the ideal place we envision is merely a dream. If it exists, please share it with us!
Section 1.1: The Importance of Community
In our search for a simpler life, community plays a crucial role. A supportive and understanding neighborhood can make all the difference for our daughter’s upbringing.
Subsection 1.1.1: Building Connections
Section 1.2: Education and Growth
We desire an education system that nurtures curiosity and creativity rather than competition and stress. Our hope is for our daughter to thrive in an environment that values exploration.
Chapter 2: Reflecting on Our Values
As we navigate this journey, we continually assess what truly matters in our lives and the legacy we wish to create for our daughter.