When my husband and I moved our family to Italy last year, I knew life would be different — a new culture, language, and surroundings — but what I didn't expect was how much it would change my parenting. Moving to Italy sounded glamorous, but the reality of it has been different. It's tested and pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.

Even in the short time we've been here, I know I am not the same person — or mom — that I was when I arrived. At first, I clutched my kids' little hands tightly, scanning for danger. I moved fast and had lists of sights to see and things to do. I did this all without realizing it; I was just operating on autopilot. Over time, though, Italy worked its magic on me.