I flew for 29 hours with 5 kids so they could stay with their father for the holidays. 6 days later my husband and I had a massive fight. Was it worth it to fly across the world to spend the holidays with my kids’ father?

I’m a Japanese American with 5 kids. When my ex-husband and I got divorced, I spent countless hours thinking about the best way to co-parent across the ocean. It would be a culture shock for my kids, but it was important for them to stay connected to their Japanese heritage. My ex-husband was a bit resistant at first, but he eventually agreed to give it a try. The first time was tough, and my kids didn’t adjust well. We learned that it was best to start with small steps, like regular video calls and visits. Before long, my kids were excited to travel back and forth and spend time with their father.<br><br>The process wasn’t without its challenges. Traveling with 5 kids under the age of 12 was a logistical nightmare, and my ex-husband and I had to deal with issues like jet lag, language barriers, and cultural differences. There were times when we had to compromise and do things we didn’t want to do, but we were able to raise our kids in both the US and Japan in a way that they actually enjoyed.<br><br>As a result of all our efforts, my kids are thriving. They speak fluent Japanese, attend a Japanese school, and have plenty of friends. They also know how to make Japanese dishes and are interested in Japanese culture. Traveling between the US and Japan is now easy for them, and they aren’t afraid to be away from their father for a few months. My relationship with my ex-husband is also better, and we’re able to co-parent without any issues.<br><br>Looking back, I realize that co-parenting across the ocean was actually a blessing in disguise. It taught my kids how to be resilient, independent, and adaptable, and it allowed them to experience things they would never have experienced if we had stayed in the US. It was hard in the beginning, but I’m glad I made the decision to do it.