Part 7 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad : Missing Loved Ones Back Home

By Darien Wilson

Moving abroad sounds exciting—and it is.

But there’s one part of the journey that’s a real challenge as an American abroad: missing loved ones back home in the U.S.

Cousin time can be hard to come by when you're living abroad.

I’m Darien, a U.S. American who moved to the Netherlands, and this is Part 7 of my series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider Before Moving Abroad.

The Sandwich Years Make This Even Harder

When you’re young, adjusting to life away from family is often expected—just part of growing up. But if you’re in the sandwich years—balancing a career, raising kids, and caring for aging parents—moving abroad can bring a very real sense of heartbreak.

What Your Kids Gain (and What They Lose)

For your kids, a move abroad can be an incredible opportunity.

They might learn a new language, immerse themselves in a different culture, and develop a global mindset.

But moving abroad means kids give up a lot, too.

• Proximity to grandparents, great grandparents, extended family, family friends, and your professional network, possibly even siblings if some of your children stay in the U.S.

• Casual family get-togethers.

• The ability to drop in for a weekend visit.

• The feeling of belonging in their native country.

• The ease of hearing their mother tongue spoken everywhere.

Traditions that used to be effortless now require international flights, school break coordination, and major expenses—if they can even happen at all.

Missing Your Loved Ones Back Home Is Just Part of Life As An American Abroad

Even maintaining connections can be harder than you expect.

Once you live on another continent, you’ll inevitably miss everything from birthdays, graduations, births, and funerals, to coffee dates, game nights, and everyday moments.

Depending on where you move, even video calls get complicated.

Try catching your family at a convenient time when you’re living six or nine hours ahead. (Good luck syncing schedules with a toddler on a nap routine and a grandma many time zones away.)

Friendships Will Shift—Even the Close Ones

No matter how strong they are, your relationships will shift.

It’s not that people stop caring. Life just… moves on.

And while you might keep close with the adults in your life, it’s the little ones—nieces, nephews, your best friend’s kids—who may grow up without really knowing you.

Questions to Ask Before You Go

Before you make the leap, take a moment to reflect:

• How will you stay connected across the miles?

• Are you prepared for some relationships to change?

• What will you do to make sure your kids still feel close to extended family?

  
  

Moving abroad is bold and life-changing. But it also comes with real emotional sacrifices.

The question isn’t just where you’re going—it’s also about who you’re leaving behind… and how you’ll keep them in your life once you’re gone.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.

© 2025 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved