When Political Climate Drives Family Decisions
Many Parents are Finding Safety Abroad
I graduated high school in 1999, and I still remember the pit in my stomach during those frequent bomb threats. At least twice a month, we'd evacuate the building, standing in parking lots wondering if this time was real. Nothing ever happened at my school, but the fear was real. The disruption was real. As a parent, I can't imagine what my mother felt during those calls.
Today's parents face even grimmer realities. The December 2023 school shooting in Wisconsin left multiple students injured, adding to a pattern that's become horrifyingly routine in American schools. But unlike my high school years, when bomb threats were the primary concern, today's students conduct active shooter drills. They learn to barricade doors. They're taught to run, hide, fight.
Sarah, a mother of three in Texas, recently told me, "I used to worry about my kids' grades. Now I worry if they'll come home. My second grader asked me why they needed to practice hiding in closets. How do you explain that to a 7-year-old?"
The Numbers That Keep Parents Awake
Let these numbers sink in: 346 mass shootings in America by July 2023 alone. That's more than one per day. Over 338,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine - enough to fill three NFL stadiums. These aren't just statistics; children, families, and communities are forever changed.
"We moved to Portugal last year," shares Michael, a father of two from California. "The first time my daughter came home from school talking about art projects instead of lockdown drills, I cried. I didn't realize how much anxiety we'd all been carrying."
The response? Homeschooling rates have doubled since 2020. Parents are pulling their children from schools out of fear for their safety. Think about that - families are restructuring their lives because they can't trust their local school to keep their children safe.
A Tale of Two Approaches
When a gunman attacked Christchurch, New Zealand's response was swift and decisive. Within weeks - not years, not decades - semi-automatic weapons were banned. Australia faced its Port Arthur moment and chose to protect its citizens. The UK heard the cries of Dunblane parents and acted.
Meanwhile, American parents are left explaining to their children why they need bulletproof backpacks.
Jennifer, now living in Denmark with her family, reflects: "My kids ask about their cousins back home doing shooter drills. Here, it's not even a concept they understand. That difference alone tells you everything."
Beyond Safety: A Fuller Picture
The search for safety often opens parents' eyes to other possibilities:
Healthcare that doesn't bankrupt families
Education that nurtures rather than drains
Work-life balance that allows for actual living
Communities that prioritize collective wellbeing
"We moved for safety," shares David, now in Spain with his family. "But we stayed for the quality of life. Our kids play in parks until dark. We have family dinner every night. We're not just surviving anymore - we're living."
Finding Your Path
While no country is perfect, many nations offer what American families increasingly seek:
Proactive safety measures
Responsive governance
Family-centered policies
Educational excellence without anxiety
Healthcare as a right, not a privilege
Maria, a mother of two who relocated to Portugal, puts it simply: "It's not about finding perfection. It's about finding better. My kids are thriving in ways they never could have back home. That's not political - that's parental."
Taking Action
If you're considering a move abroad due to safety concerns, you're not alone. More American families are choosing to prioritize their children's wellbeing over tradition or familiarity. The path exists - others have walked it before you.
Ready to explore your options?
Access the Your Expat Life Summit Expert Sessions, where you'll connect with families who've found their safety and peace of mind abroad. Learn from their experiences, ask questions, and discover if this path is right for your family.
Remember: Choosing safety isn't abandoning your country - it's protecting your children's future. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do as parents is admit that there might be a better way.