Moving to Mexico with Kids: Insights from Expat Parents

Introduction to Expat Family Life in Mexico

Moving to Mexico with kids can be an exciting yet challenging journey. As more families consider this transition, understanding the educational landscape, cultural integration, and everyday life becomes crucial. This blog delves into the experiences of several expat parents living in La Paz, Mexico, offering valuable insights and practical advice for families considering a move.

Chanel’s Journey: Building a Community

Chanel, a former Canadian resident, moved to Mexico in 2018 and started a family. Her daughter, Aria, was born during the pandemic in 2020. Chanel shares that the healthcare system in Mexico was excellent and cost-effective compared to Canada or the U.S. However, the pandemic made it difficult to socialize and connect with other parents. To address this, Chanel created a mom’s group in La Paz, which now has 450 members. This group has become an invaluable resource for expat parents, offering advice on schools, activities, and general support.

Finding the Right School

Chanel enrolled Aria in Montessori Futurum, a bilingual preschool. The school employs one teacher who speaks Spanish all day and another who speaks English. This bilingual approach has helped Aria become fully bilingual. Chanel emphasizes the importance of choosing a school that aligns with your educational philosophy and the needs of your child.

Transportation and School Routines

One of the challenges Chanel mentions is the lack of school buses. Parents must ensure their children arrive on time, as schools in Mexico are strict about punctuality. Despite these challenges, Chanel is impressed with how the teachers help expat children integrate into the Spanish-speaking environment.

Uniforms and Equality

Most schools in Mexico require uniforms, which Chanel believes helps reduce bullying and promote equality among students. Although Montessori schools like Aria’s do not require uniforms, they still have guidelines to maintain an even playing field, such as no cartoons on clothing.

Matthew’s Experience: Transitioning Older Kids

Matthew, his wife Deborah, and their 12-year-old daughter Rory moved to La Paz two years ago. They initially enrolled Rory in St. John’s, a well-regarded international school that teaches multiple languages, including Mandarin, French, Spanish, and English. However, they later switched her to a Montessori school, which better suited her learning style.

Language Barriers and Acclimation

Matthew highlights the importance of learning Spanish before moving. Rory struggled initially with the language barrier but improved significantly with the help of a private tutor. Matthew advises parents to prepare their children for the language transition to ease integration into the community.

Extracurricular Activities

La Paz offers a variety of activities for children, including sports like pickleball and flag football, and educational programs in marine biology. The city’s strong focus on family and community makes it an ideal place for raising children.

Fernando and Siria: Balancing Work and Family

Fernando and Siria moved from Arizona to La Paz with their son Surratt to escape the fast-paced lifestyle in the U.S. They wanted to spend more time with their son and provide him with a more relaxed and family-oriented environment. They chose La Paz for its natural beauty, excellent healthcare, and the presence of family.

Choosing the Right School

After researching various schools, they enrolled Surratt in a bilingual school that matched his personality. Fernando emphasizes the importance of considering your child’s temperament when selecting a school. The school environment should make your child feel comfortable and welcomed.

Integration and Support

Surratt quickly made friends at his new school, thanks to the welcoming attitude of both students and teachers. The school’s bilingual approach and supportive community helped him adapt smoothly.

Practical Tips for Moving to Mexico with Kids

One crucial piece of advice from the mom’s group is to ensure you have your child’s birth certificate and school records translated and apostilled. This preparation will make the school enrollment process much smoother.

Work-Life Balance and Finding Activities

Chanel, who works as a real estate agent, finds it challenging to balance work and family life. The mom’s group has been instrumental in finding reliable nannies, extracurricular activities, and other resources to keep her daughter engaged and happy. Activities available in La Paz include American football, soccer, swimming, and visits to the local serpentarium.

Shopping for Kids

Finding clothes for children in La Paz can be challenging due to limited selection. Many parents either shop online through Amazon or Mercado Libre or make trips to larger cities like Guadalajara for better options. The mom’s group also facilitates sharing and bringing back items from trips abroad.

Hiring Help

Many expat families hire nannies or housekeepers to help manage their households. The mom’s group provides recommendations for trustworthy help. On average, housekeeping costs around 100 pesos per hour, while full-time nannies earn between 10,000 to 20,000 pesos per month.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Moving to Mexico with kids offers a unique opportunity to experience a different culture, language, and way of life. The experiences shared by Chanel, Matthew, and Fernando highlight the importance of community, preparation, and flexibility. By leveraging resources like mom’s groups and choosing the right school, families can successfully navigate the challenges and enjoy the enriching experience of living in Mexico. For more insights and resources, consider joining local Facebook groups, connecting with other expat families, and doing thorough research before making the move. Embrace the journey, and you’ll find that Mexico can be a wonderful place to raise your children. Support this channel by buying me a margarita over at Buymeamargarita. The Mexico Relocation Guide is the perfect resource for moving to Mexico. Check it out for detailed information on retiring and living in Mexico.