JN53

I personally think that if you have one child starting Gymnasium  and that your husband is German, you should stay in Germany, so the children don't have to move around. If both you and your husband do not have citizenship in New Zealand, then I suppose you would have to see that you have jobs, permits, etc. Then if you only go a few years and move back and the children are not finished with school, this would seem to complicate things for them. They might have a difficult time integrating back into German life.  Perhaps you can take them on a vacation to New Zealand. Of course, you know your family situation the best, but that is my opinion.   Referring to what cb6dba said:  I have, over the years, heard about the phases of liking or not liking a place and heard of (and experienced) reverse culture shock. 

I think there are many things to do with small children in Berlin. What I remember that the 2 and 4 yr. old I took care of enjoyed was Britzer Garten in southeast Berlin.  Britzer Garten There are playgrounds and plenty of room to run around.

Thanks. That is very helpful. The link worked.

As far as being a good parent or a bad parent, I don't believe it has to do with working or staying at home. In the 3 families I experienced as a nanny, there were 3 different types: Good, not so good, in the middle. These parents were all busy, but their parenting was each a bit different. 

I would probably contact the school and/or the Schulamt first, but I haven't dealt with this type of thing before. Someone else may know more.

Can you go in person to ask about an appointment? What about your employer contacting the Ausländerbehörde. Is that a possibility? Maybe someone has better ideas, but this is what I'd suggest.

Yep! I can agree with being more liberal and having no problem being nude in the showers at swimming pools.   I, too, became more hard-nosed, but I wouldn't say ruder. I'd say very direct, but Americans might perceive it as being ruder. I think I may have also acquired the art of saying "No" firmly and without apology.   One thing I didn't see anyone mention yet, is that I have two different personalities, one when I speak German and one when I am speaking English, esp. with native English speakers-Americans in particular. I am louder and funnier in (American) English, to name a couple of things. Some of my German traits to spill over into my American self, when speaking English, as one can't separate everything.

Talking about dogs reminds me of Reinhard Mey and his song - Es Gibt Tage, Da Wünscht' Ich, Ich Wär' Mein Hund. I think that is the name of the song. He wishes he was a dog, as he could lay around and also bite mean people in the rear. The only problem is that he wouldn't be able to open the refrigerator door if he were a dog. Still I think the life of a dog might be nice. 

Well, maybe your assumption is correct and the company is being audited. My guess is you need to do nothing about it, esp. since they do have your new address.

I am not an expert on this, but if I received an invoice, I'd want to look through my bank records to see if I had paid it. If not, then I would pay for it. If I had already paid for it, I'd want to send them proof of that.

  However, using their would be identifying two people in the first part of the sentence and only Meghan is mentioned. Wouldn't it be correct to say, "...her and Harry's second..."?  

That is great news that Mike is doing well! 

When to File If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien residing overseas, or are in the military on duty outside the U.S., on the regular due date of your return, you are allowed an automatic 2-month extension to file your return and pay any amount due without requesting an extension. For a calendar year return, the automatic 2-month extension is to June 15. U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov) International Individuals | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov) This should help you.

Hi John, I sure hope he will get better and have a few more years. I did pray for him, since you said he asked you for prayer. 

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