As a mom of three young girls and a military spouse, my journey living in Italy from September 2020 to June 2023 amidst the pandemic was both enriching and transformative. Immersed in the vibrant Italian culture, I quickly discovered why people love it there. From the warm embrace of community to the emphasis on family-centric values, Italy offered me an amazing opportunity to not only experience an entirely different culture but also to reflect on what we, as Americans, can do better– especially when it comes to motherhood and raising children.