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Comment by bart42_0 | Hacker News Reader

In most cases the kids will have a ball in a different country

I'm sure they would, but it's often a little more complicated than that. Who will pay for the wife and kids to move along w/ the office? Will you take the kids out of school for two months? They're not unsolvable problems but as someone with a 10 and 12yo kid it's definitely a legitimate concern. And saying "just say home, it was your choice to have kids" is a valid response, but that means you're forgoing the team building and being a "good fit" with your colleagues, which isn't awesome either. :-/

I predict there is much more to parenthood besides fostering adventure, unfortunately. Educational and social stability come to mind. Relocating your family for two entire months is easier said than done.

The kids get two months off every summer. Take them then. Consider it a vacation.

The most capable, adaptable, and accomplished adults I know moved around a bunch as kids. It forces you to learn how to live in the world and get out of your comfort zone. The most anxious, bitter, and underperforming adults I know grew up in the prototypical suburban bubble environment. End meaningless personal anecdote.

Well, I know of some people whose parent moved from one city to another every year, for professional reasons. And they had hard time building long term relationship with kids of their age, which means having a childhood with mostly adults "friends", and it is not good for everyone apparently.

I still agree, and in fact kids are often more adaptable than adults. Usually they can handle change, and it is good for the mind to experience different worlds.

> The kids get two months off every summer

Depends on the country / school system. Not all kids have 3 months of "summer break."

I can vouch for the moving thing.

I haven't lived in one place longer than two years since I was eight or so. It wasn't the easiest thing in the world, but I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't grown up that way.

It seems that if there's anything to be taken from all of our anecdotes, it's that all families and circumstances are different. People need adversity, challenge, and adventure to grow. You shouldn't let your children control your lives to the point where they don't need to experience change.

I guess there's a happy medium. I've heard horror stories from both ends of the stability spectrum.

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