Potential posting abroad with two small children

[NoSnotAllowed]

My DH is RAF and has the option to apply for a posting to either Spain or Gibraltar for 3 years.

On the one hand it sounds like a great opportunity to see some more of the world, learn a new language and soak up some sun.

On the other hand, we have a 2 year old and a 1 year old and I'm quite worried that I'll be very isolated with them, especially when DH is sent elsewhere for his 6 month tour.

I guess I'm scared and excited by the idea in equal measures!

Has anybody been in this position? How did you find it abroad?

I haven't lived in Spain but I lived in Gib for 3 years just after we got married and both of my children were born while we were out there. Gib doesn't really feel like "abroad" because everyone speaks English and there is an old-fashioned British feel to the place - red phone boxes, Marks & Spencers etc. The climate is mostly lovely and the Costa Del Sol is right on your doorstep if you fancy a day trip to Marbella.
I didn't feel isolated at all while we lived there, there was a very active community of forces wives/husbands, and my daughter went to the forces' pre-school and made loads of friends. You do form close friendships with other mums because nobody has their family to help in emergencies. My advice would be to get out and join mother & toddler groups etc and you will find your social life expands from there.
Do be prepared for family/friends back home coming out to stay for cheap holidays at every opportunity. You might love this but we did get a bit fed up doing all the same tourist things after 3 years - Gibraltar is small and to be honest you can see all the sights in a day!
It's been quite a few years since I lived there but my memories are all good. And it's only a 2 hour flight back to the UK if you get homesick!

Thank you Officelady, that was really helpful.

Gibraltar sounds like the less scary option because everyone speaks English and there are more military families out there. However, that posting is for August which doesn't sound like a lot of time to sell/let our house etc.

Argh! Take the plunge or not?!

Hi, we've never been posted abroad before but have friends who have.

Your children are the perfect age. It will be a lovely adventure for you all.

The op had given lots of good advice about getting out and about/joining toddler groups etc.

I have school age children so wouldn't want to move them at this age but would have loved a posting abroad when they were younger.

It's not too far to travel so family can come visit or you can come home to visit while hour Dh is away.

Good luck with whatever you choose

I haven't been around on mums net for a while but I am currently in gib if you want to ask any questions - so few RAF here I can probably guess the job your husband will be going into

Gib is lovely by the way if a little quirky - they call it a marmite place - love it or hate it
Mad moped riders
A runway the main traffic drives across
Half English half Spanish ( but don't tell them I said that )
Fish and chips alongside Spanish tapas
Marks and Sparks alongside eroski supermarket
Give me a shout if you are considering it

Try this if it works