Summer has officially arrived, and for many international families, that means a season filled with sunshine, travel plans, school holidays, and a healthy dose of chaos. In this special catch-up episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ sit down for an honest conversation about what life looks like right now as moms raising children abroad.
From summer bucket lists and family traditions to the realities of traveling with kids and attending weddings with little ones in tow, this episode is a reminder that expat parenting is often a balancing act between creating magical memories and simply surviving the logistics.
CJ shares exciting personal news as she completes her couples therapy training and prepares to open her own practice supporting international families and couples in Frankfurt. Amanda opens up about the anticipation—and anxiety—of a summer packed with family adventures, including a formal wedding with two energetic boys.
Together, they reflect on the changing seasons of expat motherhood, the freedom that comes as children get older, and the importance of embracing both the beautiful and messy moments of expat family life.
In this episode, we talk about:
* Creating summer bucket lists and family traditions
* Managing the end-of-school-year chaos as an expat family
* Travel hacks for long journeys with kids
* The realities of bringing children to weddings and special events abroad
* Finding time for yourself during motherhood
* Embracing the changing stages of parenting as children grow
* Building community and support while raising a family overseas
Our Favourite Expat Parenting Tips from This Episode:
* Create a simple family summer bucket list with experiences everyone can enjoy.
* Lower the pressure and focus on connection over perfection.
* Travel days are easier with snacks, screens, and realistic expectations.
* Remember that children are allowed to be children—even at fancy events.
* Give yourself permission to enjoy this season of life and say yes to a little fun.
A Reminder for Every Expat Parent
If you're feeling both excited and overwhelmed by summer, you're not alone. The pressure to make magical memories while managing work, travel, and everyday parenting is real. This episode is your reminder that there is no perfect way to do summer or parent abroad.
Whether you're planning adventures, visiting family, or simply trying to survive the school holidays, we hope this conversation makes you feel seen and supported.
Because expat family support starts with knowing that other parents are navigating the same joys and challenges right alongside you.
We'd Love to Hear From You
What are your family's summer plans? Are you already in holiday mode? Send us a voice message on Instagram—we'd love to hear your stories and may even feature them in a future episode of Expecting Expats.
Happy summer from our family to yours!
Podcast recommendations:
Molly’s morning meditations
Link to Amanda’s website: www.mindfulmamafrankfurt.com
Link to CJ’s webside: www.worldsapartcounseling.com
