Expat Family Meetings in Barcelona: You are invited to our 10th gathering 🍂

When you move to a new country, most things start from scratch: home, work, school, language... But one thing always comes last: human relationships. Yet that is precisely what we need most.

When I moved to Barcelona, I felt the real weight of loneliness and alienation. On the one hand, I was working with families as a psychologist, while on the other hand, I was experiencing life as an expat myself. One day, I realized that the most powerful thing that made this process easier wasn't therapy techniques; it was the people walking alongside us.

With this realization, I decided to start these Barcelona Expat Family Meetings.

Why are we getting together?

Because loneliness is challenging. When things go wrong, it's easy to say, “I'm the only one who feels this way.” But at gatherings, we see that we all face similar difficulties. While the children are having fun, the parents witness each other's journeys. Because we know that difficulties don't disappear immediately, but as the number of people carrying them increases, the burden becomes lighter.

As one mother said:

“When my child is sick, instead of looking for an English-speaking doctor, I can ask someone here. Knowing I'm not alone in that moment changes everything.”

As one father said:

“Instead of struggling to talk about parenting in another language while out in parks, getting advice from an experienced family made it so much easier.”

And children... When they play in their own language, they feel a sense of belonging and emotional security.

These gatherings are not only enjoyable social occasions; they also provide a powerful environment for children's development. Children form relationships with their peers in a safe environment, strengthening their language and problem-solving skills through play and interaction. In addition to developing their social and cognitive skills, their motor skills are also supported by the activities they do outdoors.

Barcelona Expat Family Meetings - Fall Festival!

We started with picnics in the park. Children laughed, parents met, new friendships were formed. Over time, our numbers grew, over 100 children and families met, and our team expanded. 🎉

REGISTER HERE

Now it's time for the 10th meeting! This time, it's more than just a picnic. Here are the workshops:

🎭 Creative Drama (Bilge Yüceer, Ceren Uğur) – fosters imagination, empathy, and cooperative play

🧘‍♀️ Child Yoga (Emine Sarıbelen Deriner) – develops body awareness, self-regulation, and focus

🎨 Art (Hande Savaş Kuzu) – encourages self-expression and fine motor skill development

🪀 Play (Gizem Sağdıç) – strengthens social bonds and gross motor coordination

🌿 Playful meet-and-greet for parents – yes, adults need to play too!

There's a Place for You Too 🌿

Maybe you're feeling lonely right now. You're worried about your child's adaptation. Or you're looking for a way to make new friends. My intention with the Barcelona Immigrant Family Gatherings is to help you find companions for these feelings.

Because the greatest gift for us immigrants is the phrase, “You are not alone.” While our children play in their own languages, we laugh together, share, and feel lighter. We are growing our supportive community this month. Come join us and find your place in it.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

It takes more than just parents to raise a child; the people around them, friends, relatives, and the community also play a major role in a child's development. Children learn, discover, and feel secure through relationships. In Turkey, our grandmother, grandfather, cousins, and friends were always by our side; suddenly, in Barcelona, they are all far away. That is why we are building our own “village” in this new city we have moved to. Children gain a sense of belonging while playing in their own languages, parents see that they are not alone by sharing similar experiences, and together, we lighten the load of difficulties by supporting each other. A village is not just a physical place; it is a safe network that supports the child's emotional, social, and cognitive development, and this network grows a little more with each meeting. 🌱

Frequently Asked Questions

• My child is young, can they participate? Children of all ages are welcome; our youngest guest was just 6 months old.

• Is there a language requirement? No. The event language is Turkish, but English and Spanish-speaking families can also participate.

• We have two children, is there a discount? Yes, you can reach us on WhatsApp for a discount code.

• What should we bring? A picnic blanket, snacks, a yoga mat, and lots of energy :)

• Is the event paid? Yes, there is a small contribution fee for the workshops. You can find all details in the registration link.

• How can I be notified about the next event? If you live in Barcelona, you can join the WhatsApp group, leave your email address for the newsletter, or follow my social media account here.