Having kids and raising them is one of the most beautiful experiences an individual can have. However, once you start building a family of your own, your priorities instantly begin to shift. You no longer place your wants and needs, or even those of your partner, first.
Instead, your children take centre stage; their needs, wants, and future becomes more important than anything else. Understandably, when we have kids, we want to ensure they are always happy and safe. We want to do everything in our power to facilitate a great childhood.
A large factor that influences a child’s upbringing is their location. No matter how hard you try, you will yield different results raising your kid in the city or in the countryside. Before you make your decision, think about what kind of lifestyle you want your children to experience.
Let’s take a look at what makes a country “family-friendly”:
- Safety
- Education
- Happiness
- Health system
- Cost of childcare
- Maternity and paternity leave
To make things easier, we’ve curated a list of some of the best countries that you can raise a family in. We’ve covered an array of countries and lifestyles, so you’ll have plenty of variety to choose from.
Denmark
Unsurprisingly, one of the best places to start raising children is Denmark. This country in northern Europe may have some harsh winter months, however, it also boasts of beautiful green summers. You’re incredibly close to other European countries so you can pop over to another city and do some travelling over the weekend.
In terms of the job market, there is great availability for parents to find employment, wages are abundant, and working hours are short, allowing families to spend more time together. Each of the parents in Denmark have the right to parental leave for around 32 weeks.
Kids are known to be extremely happy in Denmark and very respectful of one another, as they are taught from a young age to empathise with others. Once your children get older, they will have the right to a university education, completely free of charge.
Some popular cities to settle down in include Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg.
New Zealand
Although this destination is rather remote and distanced from the rest of the world, it’s also incredibly beautiful and safe to live in. It’s one of the most peaceful countries in the world, and according to the global peace index in 2017 it ranked as the second safest country in the world. It’s not just crime and corruption rates that are low, there aren’t many dangerous wildlife animals to worry about either, unlike its neighbouring country Australia.
Here, you won’t have as many restless nights wondering whether your kid will be safe in school or whilst playing in the streets. The expat community in New Zealand is very diverse and there is a great sense of family amongst foreigners and locals.
The country is rich in culture and has so many untouched landscapes to discover. Furthermore, the education is of a high quality and there’s tons of access to outdoor sports for your kids to stay active. There are also many housing options in New Zealand, so you can find a match that fits your needs.
Some popular cities to settle down in include Queenstown, Napier, Rotorua, and Auckland.
Costa Rica
If you’re looking for some slightly more tropical weather and a different kind of lifestyle, look no further than Costa Rica. This is one of the most politically stable nations in the region, making it very safe to raise children in.
For those who want to experience an expat community, there are plenty of Canadians abroad as well as families from all over Europe. Although this country is well known for being a premier retirement destination, young families are choosing to start an adventure in this ecological paradise.
Here, your kids can learn to appreciate nature in all its beauty. The country itself is very welcoming and children are well received at all restaurants and bars. Not only this, but the healthcare system in Costa Rica is of an exceptional quality.
Some popular cities to settle down in include Santa Ana, Tamarindo, Jaco, and Costa Ballena.
All in all, the most important thing you can give your children is a loving home. No matter where in the world you find yourself, make sure to let your kids know how much you love them. Believe in their dreams and raise them to become respectable adults.
Parenting can be difficult at times; therefore, you need to be patient. Try to take each day at a time and learn from any mistakes you may make along the way. Most importantly, don’t forget to cherish every moment you have with your family.
