One Simple Reason Why My Husband and I Won’t Raise Our Daughter in the U.S.

It’s not (just) guns and lack of free healthcare

My daughter, born in Los Angeles, will turn two in a few months.

My Danish husband and I can’t help but talk about what future we want for her.

I wish I wanted to raise my daughter in America.

But the truth is, I don’t.

And there’s only one reason for that.

We want a simple life for her, and for ourselves.

Simple as in you can get through the day talking to people without constantly worrying if you just offended someone.

Simple as in you don’t have to re-educate yourself every few months on what’s offensive.

Simple as in people just get along.

Simple as in you can ride your bike everywhere.

Simple as in you only need your car occasionally.

Simple as in walking is the way of life, not a hobby.

Simple as in a friendly stranger touching your kid is normal, and not a reason to call 911.

Simple as in our daughter can always walk to school alone, safely.

Simple as in our dog can run without a leash, and no one will say a word.

Simple as in our daughter can spend her early childhood playing and not worrying about her achievements.

Simple as in our daughter can spend her early childhood outdoors and not stuck in a classroom.

Simple as in nature and play-based schools are a norm and not a private institution we can’t afford.

Simple as in there’s no need to build a metal fence around our daughter’s school.

Simple as in deodorants in our local pharmacy are not chained.

Simple as in my daughter will never have to take a shooting-preparedness class.

Simple as in food is enjoyed thoroughly and slowly, and never eaten in your car.

Simple as in fresh and quality foods are abundant and affordable.

Simple as in I never have to see a five-dollar tomato again.

Simple as in people around us prioritize enjoyment of life and not wealth accumulation.

Simple as in people around us prioritize relationships and not personal achievements.

Simple as in life is full of simple joys: family, friends, nature, good food, and good wine.

Simple as in you don’t have to break your back to pay enormous rent or move to a suburb.

Simple as in we don’t have to save up for 18 years for our daughter to get a basic education.

Simple as in we don’t have to worry that we can’t afford treatment if our daughter gets sick.

Simple as in I’m not afraid to watch the news because it gives me anxiety.

Simple as in people around me are not divided into two camps.

Simple as in people around me are not neurotic ticking bombs ready to go off at any minute.

It’s amazing how difficult it can be to achieve something so simple.

Perhaps, the place we’re looking for doesn’t exist. But if it does, let me know!