Ask Me Help Desk - Relocating an 8 year old

We currently live in California and my husband has the opportunity to relocate to Utah. We are very interested in the move because the cost of homes is much less in Utah and this new job would be a promotion. Our biggest concern is our 8 year old daughter. She is currently in 2nd grade and has so far been at a different school every year. I hate to put her in a position to make friends again. But, where she is now, while she is making friends, they are all Spanish speaking and due to the language barrier, we have not been able to ask any of the kids over to play. Additionally, we are currently living in a condo and moving to Utah would put us in a house. Lastly, I am concerned about being Catholic in a heavily populated Mormon community. I welcome my daughter's exposure to different people and different beliefs, but I do fear her being singled out as different on top of being new. Any advice?

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Originally Posted by KMC6296

We currently live in California and my husband has the opportunity to relocate to Utah. We are very interested in the move because the cost of homes is much less in Utah and this new job would be a promotion. Our biggest concern is our 8 year old daughter. She is currently in 2nd grade and has so far been at a different school every year. I hate to put her in a position to make friends again. But, where she is now, while she is making friends, they are all Spanish speaking and due to the language barrier, we have not been able to ask any of the kids over to play. Additionally, we are currently living in a condo and moving to Utah would put us in a house. Lastly, I am concerned about being Catholic in a heavily populated Mormon community. I welcome my daughter's exposure to different people and different beliefs, but I do fear her being singled out as different on top of being new. Any advice?

I moved 11 times in 12 years and it actually helped me because I HAD to be outgoing and friendly! You know your daughter best. Do you think she is capable of another move? Sounds like she is. Sounds like Utah is a great place to live, too. As for being Catholic in a Mormon area... not all people in Utah are Mormons! Being Catholic shouldn't hurt her in any way. Make a list of pros and cons and see which one wins out. I bet you'll end up moving. Good luck.

I realize that not all people in Utah are Mormons, however it does appear that there is certainly a large Mormon population. Not that I have a problem with anyone, of any religion. What I am saying is that I am concerned that I am potentially piling issues onto my daughter to have to deal with. I have found through my own experience (AND I REALIZE THAT EVERY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT) that people of the Mormon faith tend to be standoffish to those who are not. I was hoping that someone with more experiences might be able to offer their suggestions or share their thoughts.