Careers Representing America
Only Children
User:
Visitor
Date: 4/24/2012 11:31 am
Date: 4/24/2012 11:31 am
Views: 7784
Rating: 2 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 2 Rate [ | ]
My partner has just begun the FSO selection process and, as the future (hopefully!) trailing spouse, I have been reading this forum with great interest. We have a toddler son and I am curious about two things:
1. What would life be like for my son as an only child? I gather from reading through this forum and FSO blogs that it can be difficult for some children to have to relocate every few years, make new friends, etc. Would being an only child make that already difficult life even harder? I do not plan to work outside the home, wherever that may be, so perhaps that would help with the stability issue? If anyone with only children could chime in I would love to hear your perspective.
2. Is school attendance compulsory? I currently live in California where it is very easy to home-school without testing or reporting requirements. Would I be able to pursue that option as an FSO spouse?
Thank you in advance for your input. We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to joining the diplomatic community!
1. What would life be like for my son as an only child? I gather from reading through this forum and FSO blogs that it can be difficult for some children to have to relocate every few years, make new friends, etc. Would being an only child make that already difficult life even harder? I do not plan to work outside the home, wherever that may be, so perhaps that would help with the stability issue? If anyone with only children could chime in I would love to hear your perspective.
2. Is school attendance compulsory? I currently live in California where it is very easy to home-school without testing or reporting requirements. Would I be able to pursue that option as an FSO spouse?
Thank you in advance for your input. We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to joining the diplomatic community!
Reply •
Re: Only Children
User:
ejg
Date: 4/24/2012 12:51 pm
Date: 4/24/2012 12:51 pm
Views: 388
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
FS children develop excellent social skills even if in other circumstances they may not have done so. Watching my introverted ones I came to think of it as a survival skill. I raised three, but the youngest spent four years as an "only" overseas. It was quite touching to watch the younger children "adopt" him as an older brother and my older peers "borrow" him as a grandchild substitute.
As to home schooling, yes you can continue to do so.
As to home schooling, yes you can continue to do so.
Reply •
Re: Only Children
User:
trd
Date: 4/24/2012 1:11 pm
Date: 4/24/2012 1:11 pm
Views: 358
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
I'd just add one thing. Apart from this forum, issues related to children and family life in the Foreign Service are a mainstay of many of the blogs that we have highlighted at this "Engage" page.
As we say often, every case is different, but, generalizing, "third culture kids" are an amazing bunch. Take a look at http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21995.htm, and you'll find much more in the blogs.
As we say often, every case is different, but, generalizing, "third culture kids" are an amazing bunch. Take a look at http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21995.htm, and you'll find much more in the blogs.
Reply •
Re: Only Children
User:
Visitor
Date: 4/24/2012 1:33 pm
Date: 4/24/2012 1:33 pm
Views: 347
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
trd, thanks for reminding me about checking out the blogs. I did glance through a few, all of which make me very excited about the FS lifestyle! I do gather that there is a strong support system for families, and that my little one would have plenty of opportunities to socialize with other kids. The responses thus far are very reassuring.
Reply •
Re: Only Children
User:
Visitor
Date: 4/24/2012 1:17 pm
Date: 4/24/2012 1:17 pm
Views: 347
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
ejg, thanks so much for your response. I'm thrilled to hear that your children have had such a positive experience. It sounds like the FS will provide an amazing, diverse learning environment for my little one.
Reply •
Add •
