‘They will be better off…’: Why an American woman chose India to raise her children

When Kristen Fischer moved from America to India several years ago, she didn’t anticipate how profoundly her choice would shape her children’s lives. Recently, Fischer shared an insightful Instagram post detailing why she believes her kids are poised to have a richer childhood in India compared to the USA. She laid out eight compelling reasons that make India, in her view, an ideal environment for raising children.

“My kids will benefit so much by growing up in India,” Fischer wrote. She highlighted eight distinct advantages that come from experiencing childhood in India over the USA.

Foremost among them is cultural awareness and adaptability. “Living in India will expose my children to a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and customs,” Fischer explained. This constant exposure fosters open-mindedness and adaptability, equipping them to thrive in diverse settings.

She further emphasized multilingualism as a significant benefit. “India is home to numerous languages and dialects. My kids will learn Hindi and be exposed to many other languages, alongside English.” Fischer noted that multilingualism boosts cognitive development, enhances communication skills, and improves future career opportunities.

A third advantage, according to Fischer, is the global perspective India offers. By encountering regional challenges and varying societal norms firsthand, her children develop nuanced viewpoints on global citizenship.

Fischer also highlighted resilience and independence gained through living abroad. Adjusting to new school systems, local customs, and everyday hurdles builds their problem-solving skills and personal independence.

She noted the emotional intelligence fostered by India’s diverse social interactions, explaining, “Being exposed to diverse social norms and family structures in India will help my kids develop higher emotional intelligence,” making them more empathetic and socially aware.

India’s emphasis on strong family bonds is another key factor. Fischer appreciates the deep familial connections inherent in Indian society, providing her children with emotional support and a profound sense of belonging, contrasting sharply with America’s more individualistic culture.

Additionally, Fischer cited that India’s socioeconomic diversity teaches “the value of gratitude, simplicity, and the importance of appreciating what they have,” offering her children essential life lessons.

Finally, she emphasized that India enables connections to global networks: “My kids will form friendships with people from all over the world,” which can positively impact their future careers.