France Best Country To Raise Kids

Research has shown that France is overall the best country for Expats to raise their children

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) December 6th, 2011 – The Netherlands and Australia also ranked highly in terms of child welfare, though the top three fared much lower in financial terms.

It seems Expats may face a compromise between the best place to raise children and the best location for financial benefits. France, The Netherlands and Australia ranked 28,29 and 21 respectively in terms of financial benefits.

France scored particularly highly in terms of social integration for children. This equated to 58% of children stating that they did not miss friends and family at home, compared with the global average of 35%.

This was put down to multiple factors. One of the principal ones being France’s close proximity to the UK and cultural ties that make the transition abroad relatively manageable. The availability and quality of English language schools where French is well taught also played a large role in enabling children to adapt easily to the new country.

It was also found that parents spent more time with their children since moving to France, and over 60% stated they felt more safe and secure following the move. This was put down to French employment and childcare laws that allow parents a more flexible and less demanding working schedule.

Countries that offer the best financial incentives in terms of overall wealth, disposable income and luxuries are often also countries with some of the worst means for children to integrate into local culture and also have lower standards for health and wellbeing.

The majority of respondents stated however that they always put their children’s needs before financial considerations. This meant many were happy to accept lower salary packages if it meant that their children would have a much easier time integrating into the local area and would also enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle.

According to the results, the UK has the highest childcare costs, with the annual bill totalling roughly £8000 or $13 000. This contributed to the UK being rated last in terms of raising children, as did the UK's poor facilities enabling children to integrate: 27% of Expat parents in the UK stated that they felt their child’s sense of social integration had decreased since moving to the UK.

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By Aneil Fatania
Financial Editor
Pryce Warner International Group
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