Dutch Family Embarks on Spanish Dream in New Season of “A House Full of Emigrating”
Table of Contents
- 1. Dutch Family Embarks on Spanish Dream in New Season of “A House Full of Emigrating”
- 2. A new Adventure Begins
- 3. Packing Up and Tossing Out: A Family Affair
- 4. Air Conditioning and Family Photos: Navigating Everyday Life Amidst the Chaos
- 5. Guilt and Goodbyes: The Price of a Dream
- 6. The Kraan Family’s Camping Retrospective
- 7. The rise of Expat Families: An American Outlook
- 8. Catch the Shifts Family on “A house Full of Emigrating”
- 9. What are some specific strategies Dr. Carter suggests for helping children cope with the emotional challenges of packing and downsizing before an international move?
- 10. Interview with Dr. Emily Carter: The Psychological Impact of Expat Family Moves
A new Adventure Begins
The latest season of the popular reality show, “A House Full of Emigrating,” premiered recently, introducing viewers to the Shifts, a Dutch family embarking on a life-changing move. while seasoned expats, the Kraan family, reflect on their Luxembourg campsite experience, Pim (34) and Melissa (31) Shifts, along with their five children – Remy (7), twins Jesse and Merijn (5), Tijmen (9 months), and Rosaline (2) – are just beginning their journey to sunny Spain. The episode, airing March 21, 2025, captures the whirlwind of packing, goodbyes, and the inherent chaos of relocating a large family across borders.
Packing Up and Tossing Out: A Family Affair
With their house in the Netherlands sold, the Shifts family faces the daunting task of packing their entire lives into a container for shipment to Spain. Even with the Spanish mortgage still pending final approval, the clock is ticking. In a scene familiar to many American families facing a move, the children are enlisted to help, sorting their toys into a “throw-away box.” This proves to be an emotional exercise, highlighting the challenges of balancing practical needs with children’s sentimental attachments. This parallels the experience of many U.S. families downsizing or decluttering before a move, where similar difficult choices must be made about cherished possessions.
finding ways to channel children’s energy during a stressful move is crucial. Mother Melissa observed, “The boys love to demolish things, that’s a bit of their way of losing energy.”
This resonates with the American understanding that involving kids in controlled demolition,like breaking down cardboard boxes (under supervision,of course),can be a healthy way to release pent-up frustration and excitement during a disruptive transition.
Even amidst the packing frenzy, everyday life continues. A simple trip for ice cream becomes a lesson in air conditioning operation, punctuated by son Remy’s persistent window-opening antics, much to father Pim’s mild frustration. These everyday moments, amplified by the stress of the move, offer relatable glimpses into the family’s dynamic. The family photo shoot demanded by Melissa’s mother underscores the importance of family connections during such significant life changes. The challenge of keeping everyone (and their white clothes) clean highlights the humorous reality of family life.
Guilt and Goodbyes: The Price of a Dream
The episode doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll of emigration. The love and support from family in the Netherlands are evident.However, leaving loved ones behind is definitely difficult. Sister Lisette shares, “I am sorry for my children, as they have no othre nephews and nieces anymore. Melissa really takes the whole family.”
melissa candidly admits to feeling guilty, acknowledging, “It’s our choice, not my family’s.”
This sentiment mirrors the experiences of many american families who relocate for career opportunities or a change of pace, ofen grappling with feelings of guilt and separation from extended family.
The Kraan Family’s Camping Retrospective
The episode also revisits the Kraan family, who are now reflecting on their previous season running a campsite in Luxembourg. Their experience highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes and adapting to feedback.the Kraans are working to improve their campsite after receiving concerns about their inventory. With son Quinten implementing new rules and organizational systems, they are clearly working towards a better camping season.
The rise of Expat Families: An American Outlook
The Shifts’ decision to emigrate to Spain reflects a growing trend of families seeking new opportunities and lifestyles abroad. For American families, the allure of Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and often more affordable cost of living, is strong. However, the challenges depicted in “A House Full of Emigrating” – the logistical hurdles, the emotional strain, and the cultural adjustments – are global and should be carefully considered by any family contemplating a similar move.
Here’s a look at some considerations for U.S. families considering a move abroad:
| Consideration | Details | U.S. Context |
|---|---|---|
| Visa and Residency | Understanding immigration laws is paramount. | Similar to navigating the U.S. immigration system. |
| Healthcare | Researching healthcare systems and insurance options is essential. | Comparable to selecting health insurance plans in the U.S. |
| Education | Finding suitable schools for children is a key concern | Similar to choosing schools within a U.S.school district. |
| Cost of Living | Assessing the affordability of housing, food, and transportation is crucial. | Just like comparing costs of living between different U.S. states. |
| Cultural Adjustment | Preparing for cultural differences and language barriers. | Like moving from a rural area to a major U.S. city, adapting to the local culture is key. |
Catch the Shifts Family on “A house Full of Emigrating”
For those interested in following the Shifts family’s adventure, “A House Full of Emigrating” airs every Friday at 9:30 PM on NPO 1, this can be seen in The Netherlands.
What are some specific strategies Dr. Carter suggests for helping children cope with the emotional challenges of packing and downsizing before an international move?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter: The Psychological Impact of Expat Family Moves
Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Dr.Carter. Thank you for joining us today. The recent season of “A House full of Emigrating” has sparked a lot of discussion about the realities of expat life. As a leading psychologist specializing in family dynamics, what’s your perspective on the emotional complexities families face when relocating abroad?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to be here. Relocating is a significant life event, and for families, it’s multi-layered. There’s excitement, but also a significant potential for stress, especially for children. The Shifts family,as depicted in the show,are experiencing a classic example of this,dealing with logistical upheaval,cultural adjustments,and the emotional toll of leaving behind familiar support systems.
Archyde News Editor: The show highlights the challenges of packing and downsizing, including the emotional impact on children. How can parents mitigate these challenges for their families?
Dr. Emily Carter: Preparation is key. Involving children in the decision-making process,even at a basic level,can give them a sense of control. engaging them in age-appropriate tasks, like sorting toys or helping pack, can also ease anxiety. It is very useful for children to allow them to discuss their feelings about the move and to reassure them that their parents are there for them. Additionally, parents can provide the children with information on what is going to happen during a move, like going on vacation. It helps to involve them, when appropriate, in aspects such as picking the home they are going move to.
Archyde News Editor: We saw the family dynamics at play: air conditioning issues, family photos, and everyday life continuing. How do these moments, even small ones, contribute to the overall experience?
Dr.Emily Carter: These everyday moments represent the continuity of life. They offer a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of a move. Family photo shoots, such as, are a way to mark a moment in time and reinforce family bonds. these simple moments can be a powerful source of stability, which is a powerful counterweight to all kinds of anxieties, as it connects children to their past, while celebrating life’s most powerful bonds.
Archyde News Editor: The episode highlighted the emotional toll of leaving family and friends behind, especially for the parents. What advice would you give to families struggling with these feelings of guilt?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and to validate them. Moving abroad is a major life change, and it’s natural to feel sadness and guilt. Parents should also remember that they are making a choice that they beleive will benefit their family, even if it means temporary separation from loved ones. Open communication within the family and with those left behind is crucial to maintain and improve emotional well-being. Creating ways for the families to stay connected can help. A sense of guilt can be a good indicator that parents should work on preserving long-distance relations.
Archyde News Editor: Considering the rise of expat families, as the article mentions, what are some of the most common psychological hurdles for Americans or other expats starting a new life abroad?
Dr. Emily Carter: Some of the typical hurdles include cultural adjustment, homesickness, language barriers, and social isolation, which can affect both parents and children. It’s critically important for families to have realistic expectations,seek support from the local expat communities,and maintain a strong sense of identity while embracing new cultural experiences. To overcome cultural shock, it is important to be open-minded and remember that the key is to adapt; for children in particular, it is extremely important to integrate from an early age.
Archyde News editor: Dr. Carter, what’s the most significant piece of advice you would offer families considering a move abroad based on your current research?
Dr. Emily Carter: The most critical advice is to prioritize mental well-being. Ensure all family members have access to appropriate mental health support, whether through counseling, support groups, or online resources. Planning ahead and establishing emotional support systems are extremely important steps to take before relocating.Make those arrangements before a move, so the family has resources should they be needed. It’s also important to remember that the process of adapting is ongoing. It takes time to settle in, and being patient with yourself and each other is crucial.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights. This is a useful conversation. The complexities of expat family life are significant, and the advice you’ve offered will be invaluable to many of our readers. What do you think are the biggest challenges for expat children adapting abroad? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
