Living abroad and the unspoken strain on family ties

The Kathmandu Post delves into the often-unspoken strain on family ties when young Nepalis venture abroad for work or education. This piece highlights the psychological reasons behind the growing emotional distance between children living overseas and their parents back home.

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Ultimately, the distance becomes a barrier to emotional connection, not only due to time zones and busy routines but also because sharing fewer concerns becomes a way to protect each other.

It's a common narrative in Nepal: the aspiration for a better life abroad often comes at the cost of intimate family connections. The article points out that the focus on earning money, coupled with the difficulties of adapting to new cultures and managing studies, leaves little room for meaningful communication. This isn't just about time zones; it's about a deliberate withholding of worries, a way to shield parents from hardship, which inadvertently creates a void.

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Many young people living abroad are much more invested in earning money than in pursuing education.

From a Nepali perspective, the cultural emphasis on respecting elders and a general hesitancy to express emotions openly can exacerbate these issues. Parents might struggle to relate to their children's struggles abroad, and children may feel alienated from their own cultural festivities. The article rightly notes that parents often fall into the trap of comparing their children's successes, adding another layer of pressure. The advice for parents to offer more sympathy than expectations is crucial for maintaining these vital relationships across vast distances.

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For parents, there is a sense of ‘stepping away from responsibilities’ in their child’s life, which makes them question their role as parents.