Liz Humphreys moved to Europe with her husband and raised her son in Berlin until he was 6. When they moved back to New York, she was surprised by all the rules surrounding kids. She found that there are advantages to raising children in both cities, with Berlin offering affordable childcare and a more hands-off approach to discipline, and New York providing diverse cultural opportunities and a greater focus on structure and safety.
In Berlin, Humphreys found that childcare was affordable, with free daycare/preschool options available for children starting from the age of one. The school system in Germany is play-based and very child-driven, with lots of time spent outside. Children are able to make close friends and become fluent in multiple languages due to the bilingual education system. Parents in Berlin tend to take a more hands-off approach to discipline, allowing children to resolve conflicts among themselves even at a young age.
When Humphreys and her family moved back to New York, they found the public school system to be a huge change from their experience in Berlin. Her son struggled with the larger class sizes and structured school day, as well as the limited hours of school compared to Germany. Safety was also a concern, as New York City ranked lower in safety compared to Berlin. This led to a shift in parenting styles, with more emphasis on supervision and structure for their son’s safety.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to life in New York, Humphreys and her family have found positives in being back in the city. They appreciate the diversity and cultural opportunities available, as well as the welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for kids to make friends. While there may not be as many playgrounds as in Berlin, they enjoy the vibrant community and the proactive parenting style that they have noticed among other parents in the city.
Overall, Humphreys has experienced a mix of advantages and challenges in raising her son in both Berlin and New York. Each city offers unique benefits, from affordable childcare and a more relaxed approach to discipline in Berlin, to diverse cultural opportunities and a strong sense of community in New York. Despite the differences, both cities have enriched their family’s experience and provided valuable lessons in parenting and adapting to new environments.
