Expat Mom Emily’s Journey Began with One Question: “Why Can’t I Understand What They’re Saying?”
That’s what Emily’s 5-year-old asked, tugging on her sleeve at the airport in Paris. They’d just landed, leaving behind their familiar Chicago life for a new adventure in France. Emily smiled at her son, but inside? She was terrified.
This wasn’t just a move, it was a complete reboot of life. For her, for her family.
Welcome to the world of the expat mom.
How do you raise your kids and stay true to yourself when everything around you has changed?
When Everything Feels Foreign
As an expat mom, it’s easy to feel like you’ve gone from full color to grayscale. Emily used to feel grounded : she had a career she loved, close friends, and a strong sense of self. But after just a few weeks in Paris, even simple tasks felt overwhelming. She couldn’t follow conversations at the school gate. Her LinkedIn profile collected dust. And grocery shopping? A daily puzzle.
She’s far from the only one.
A study by Expat Communication revealed that 53% of expat partners experience a loss of professional identity during relocation, especially in the first year. For many, the shift isn’t just geographical—it’s deeply personal. You leave behind your role, your rhythm, your reflection in others… and suddenly, you’re not quite sure who you are anymore.
One Coffee, One Connection
Everything shifted the day Emily stumbled upon a little café poussette in the 11th arrondissement. There, she met Maria, a Spanish expat mom with the same confused expression—and the same need for connection.
Neither of them spoke perfect French. But between broken phrases, baby giggles, and lots of coffee, a friendship bloomed.
That moment of kindness gave Emily the push she needed. She signed up for a French course with Absolutely French (a lifesaver for expat spouses), and step by step, she began rebuilding.
Sometimes, all it takes is one coffee and one connection to start rebuilding your world as an expat mom
What Expat Moms Know: 7 Lessons That Change You
No guidebook can fully prepare you for raising kids abroad—but the journey teaches you more than you ever expected.
Here are 7 lessons every expat mom ends up learning:
1. You’re Stronger Than You Think
From navigating health systems in a new language to comforting a child missing home, you become a rock, even when you don’t feel like one.
2. Your Career Can Take a New Shape
So many expat moms reinvent themselves: freelancing, launching businesses, discovering passions they never had time for before.
3. It’s OK to Ask for Help
You’ll need support. You’ll cry in public. And guess what? That vulnerability often leads to the most genuine friendships.
4. Language Barriers Break Down, Eventually
Even if your French starts with “bonjour-baguette,” every new word is a little victory. And it will get easier.
5. You Are Not Alone
Facebook groups or local meetups (like those hosted by Absolutely French) are full of women just like you.
Meetup with Absolutely French
6. Your Kids Will Amaze You
They’ll adapt faster than you. They’ll switch languages mid-sentence. They’ll remind you every day why this journey matters.
7. You Grow, Too
Living abroad with your kids stretches your comfort zone in every direction. And through it all, you find a new version of yourself : one that’s brave, open, and deeply alive.
A Gentle Reminder, From One Expat Mom to Another
Emily didn’t just find her footing, she found herself. Today, she runs a bilingual storytime for children in her neighborhood and even mentors other newly arrived moms.
“It wasn’t easy,” she says, “but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I’ve grown so much and so have my kids.”
So if you’re a new expat mom reading this while sipping cold coffee next to a napping baby: breathe. You’re doing better than you think. And you are not alone.
You’re building something beautiful, day by day, word by word, one little hug at a time.
Want More Inspiration?
Check out our article on The Power of Public Speaking: A Game-Changer for Expat Partners and explore upcoming workshops designed for international families in Paris.
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris