For many parents, school safety is a growing concern.
But for Marae and Roger Torrelier, it was the final push they needed to make a life-changing decision.
Originally from the United States, the couple had always dreamed of raising their kids somewhere that felt more secure — and ultimately, they found that peace in southern Spain.
Now living in Malaga with their two daughters, the couple is sharing how drastically different life feels in their new home — and why they don’t plan on looking back.
Choosing Safety Over Familiarity
It wasn’t just about wanderlust or escaping the daily grind.
For Marae, the idea of sending her five-year-old daughter to an American school filled her with anxiety.
“I couldn’t bear the thought of her going through lockdown drills, let alone the fear of her not coming home,” she told the Daily Mail.
That fear turned into action — and soon, the family was packing their bags for Spain with their toddler and baby in tow.
A Life Rooted in Travel and Discovery
Marae, 36, and Roger, 40, aren’t strangers to global exploration.
As full-time content creators, they’ve spent years traveling the world, falling in love with different cultures.
Europe especially had always stood out to them — the slower pace, the sense of community, and the quality of life were all incredibly appealing.
Still, it wasn’t until they had kids that they seriously considered leaving the U.S. for good.
Discovering a Kinder, More Inclusive Society
What struck Marae the most after settling in Spain was how differently children and families are treated.
“People here actually expect you to be with your kids — you don’t have to explain or apologize for it,” she said.
In contrast to the U.S., where she says children are often kept to “designated areas,” Spain embraces multigenerational living.
“You see elderly people in the parks, chatting with kids while families share public spaces.
There’s no division — life just flows together.”
A Community That Watches Out for Each Other
The family has grown fond of the way people casually look after one another — especially when it comes to kids playing in public.
“We’ll be eating at a café while our daughters are running around the plaza, and we feel totally comfortable.
Everyone is looking out for each other. It’s incredibly refreshing.”
Marae describes Spanish society as much more “community-oriented,” where daily life naturally includes children and social interaction — not as something separate, but as a shared experience.
Embracing the Work-Life Balance
Spain’s famously laid-back lifestyle has given the Torrelier family more than just peace of mind — it’s given them time.
“We spend so much more time outside and with our girls now,” Marae shared.
“Even though we’re still new here, we’ve become more social.
We’ve slowed down and really started enjoying this season of life.”
That shift has made them feel more present as parents, allowing them to truly soak in the early years of their daughters’ lives.
Affordability and Easy Travel Sweeten the Deal
Aside from the emotional benefits, there have been financial perks too.
“Things are just more affordable here,” Marae said.
“And the fact that we can hop on a short flight and visit a new country for the weekend? That’s something we never had access to in the U.S.”
Living in Europe has also opened up new travel opportunities, turning family adventures into spontaneous weekend getaways.
There Are Downsides — But They’re Worth It
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and tapas.
Marae admits that some conveniences are missing — like having quick delivery options, more product variety, or the ability to drive everywhere.
“We do miss our family and the ease of access to certain things,” she confessed.
“But that trade-off is worth it for the peace we feel and the quality time we now have.”
Letting Go of Fear and Leaning Into Change
The biggest gain, according to Marae, is how much safer she feels.
“That sense of security is priceless.
My kids feel free, and I feel at peace knowing they’re in a better environment.”
It wasn’t an easy choice to leave behind the familiar, but she hopes their journey inspires others to explore alternative ways of living — especially if they’ve ever felt out of sync with the fast-paced American lifestyle.
A Message to Others Considering the Leap
“Moving abroad is never a small or simple decision,” Marae reflected.
“But if you’ve ever dreamed of slowing down, of living somewhere that aligns with your values, then it’s absolutely worth exploring.”
Now, with the Mediterranean sun shining and their daughters laughing in the plazas of Malaga, the Torrelier family is living proof that sometimes the scariest decisions lead to the most beautiful chapters.
