Wondering how the decision went 11 years later.
Got onto this thread with a Google search about only children growing up in rural settings because the move for my son from a city and all the connections he had until the age of 7, DEVASTATED him.
Lots of factors involved. But not every kid is resilient. I think i how idyllic a rural setting is depends on how extraverted a child is as well as what else they're dealing with.
Also, my child tries to adapt with fewer friend opportunities by spending time on screens rather than all the activities I would love to do with him. Times have changed and a rural setting can really exacerbate this. I bought a canoe last year (he was 10) and he refused to go with me all summer. At this age, hikes are only fun when friends are around. Every weekend I spend driving all over for playdates to keep him happily occupied in healthy ways and to have less screentime fights. But his depression remains. And just because a child attends school, it doesn't mean he or she gets the social playtime really needed.
Kids are each unique. Hindsight is so helplessly correct. From a couple of moving-staying decisions and experiences I'm going to have to make this my mantra: if something's not broken, DON'T try to fix it; if it is broken, don't try to endure it and hope for the best - get the h___ out! But looking for greener pastures when things are already running smoothly can be folly.
Kids may be adaptable, but they're also vulnerable. Their adaptations may keep them surviving but not thriving.No one has a better feel for their child, hopefully, than a parent. Look at their particular personalities and needs. Wish I'd followed my internal sense of my child's needs and not the idealism of my ex
