We moved to Sweden 4 years ago and from a parents perspective it has been great for the kids. No crime and a very equal society, freedom to run about, climb trees, camp and do loads of things outside. They can cycle to school and the education system is focused on the child and not just results. We do loads of nice things like skating on lakes, skiing, etc. Anyway from my 8 year old daughters point of view when ever she gets tired or finds things hard she goes off on one about how she is so sad here, does not feel at home, does not like the school she goes to, misses the tree house I built for her in our garden in Sheffield, misses the noise of cars and does not feel safe here. At school her teachers say she is doing really well and is happy and has lots of friends (But Swedes are not that honest when it comes to negative stuff so hopefully this is the real picture)
We do live in a lovely old flat in the centre of town but it is lacking neighbours and other children to play with. We were thinking of moving to somewhere out of town where there would be more community and the children could run out of the door to their friends houses and also have more neighbours and feel part of things. Problem is that it is a big commitment and I can't tell if it is the right thing to do or not. One of the problems living abroad is missing family and friends and we do not get that many visitors. My parents are farmers so don't get that much free time. I have a good job but my wife is not working which is very unusual in Sweden and she is also wondering what is the best thing for us.
We still have a house back in Sheffield which a friend lives in so we can go back there when we want and it still feels like how my daughter remembers it so there is alot of focus for her on it being her real home. She has said she would never forgive us if we sold it.
Any advice on how to help my daughter and help her deal with her feelings. Is it worth the risk of moving or just move back to the UK?
