How to Thrive as an Expat Family in Spain: Embracing the Culture with Kids

Moving to Spain with children isn’t just about unpacking boxes and finding the nearest park. It’s about shifting rhythms, embracing new customs, and—perhaps most importantly—loosening your grip on the structured lifestyle you once knew. It’s about finding a new cadence, one that dances to the tune of Spanish life.

If you’ve ever felt like your meticulously scheduled life is a badge of honor, Spain is here to gently pry it from your hands and replace it with something warmer, richer, and a whole lot more relaxed. Here’s how to help your family not just settle, but truly thrive in Spain.

1. Let Go of the Rigid Schedule

Your kids’ new Spanish classmates aren’t heading to bed at 7:30 PM, and neither should yours—at least, not if you want them to have a social life. Spanish kids stay up later, often running through plazas or playing in the streets long past dark. Instead of fighting it, embrace the shift. Lean into later evenings, longer meals, and mornings that (thankfully) start at a more reasonable pace.

And overscheduling? Forget it. Spanish kids typically have fewer structured activities outside of school, leaving time for family gatherings, spontaneous play, and—most crucially—rest. Which brings us to…

2. The Siesta is for Everyone

Yes, even your six-year-old. Siesta isn’t just a relic of the past; in many places, it’s still alive and well, especially in smaller towns. While you may not find businesses shutting down for hours in the heart of Barcelona or Madrid, rest remains a cornerstone of Spanish life.

Encourage downtime after lunch. Whether that means actual naps, quiet reading time, or simply embracing a slower pace, teaching your family to respect rest will help everyone integrate more seamlessly. And honestly? It just feels good.

3. Make Local Friends—For You and Your Kids

Finding a friend group that fits is key to feeling at home. Encourage your children to play with local kids, even if language is a barrier at first. Playgrounds, after-school activities, and even the bustling town plaza are all prime spots for spontaneous friendships. When I first arrived in 2009, I found that many friends started as acquaintances who were interested in American culture, and in practicing their English. I embraced these dynamics (though different that I was used to), and our bonds evolved into deep and wonderful relationships.

As a parent, seek out other families—whether it’s through school, a local hiking or climbing group, or even just chatting at the corner café. Having people to call for a spontaneous vermouth on Sunday afternoon or to guide you through local traditions makes all the difference in feeling like you belong. If you live in a village or small neighborhood, then letting your children run free (keeping a distant eye of course) and scout friends is another fun way to unexpectedly meet like-minded families who may be in a similar season of life.

4. Eat Like a Spaniard (Without the Dinner-Table Drama)

If you’re worried your kids will reject every tapa placed in front of them, start small. Introduce Spanish flavors at home—tortilla de patatas, pan con tomate, or even just olives alongside their usual snacks. Kids here grow up eating seafood, jamón, and lentils as a regular part of life, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Let them dip into local foods gradually until they start reaching for them on their own.

Also, dinner is lighter and later in Spain. Instead of fighting to maintain your old dinner schedule, try shifting towards the Spanish way. A bigger lunch and a simple dinner (think yogurt, fruit, or a bit of bread with cheese) can help smooth the transition.

5. Learn the Calendar (and Embrace the Puentes!)

Spanish life runs on its own rhythm, punctuated by local festivals, long weekends (also referred to as bridges, or ‘puentes’), and national holidays that you didn’t even realize existed. Get ahead of the game by marking these on your calendar now—because you don’t want to be the only one scheduling work when everyone else is heading to the beach.

And speaking of embracing the Spanish calendar: let yourself get swept up in local traditions. Whether it’s a small-town feria, the chaos of Las Fallas, or the wonder of Three Kings’ Day, celebrating as the locals do will help your family feel part of the fabric of life here. I address this topic often in our instagram feed, because I believe it is one of the most effortless and fun ways to connect with your chosen community’s mindset and traditions.

6. Give It Time

Integration isn’t instant. Your children might struggle with the language at first, or feel frustrated by cultural differences. You might miss the efficiency of your home country (this is a big one for me) or feel momentarily overwhelmed by the bureaucracy. But little by little, the pieces start to fit.

One day, your child will come home singing a Spanish folk song, or they’ll switch effortlessly between languages in the playground. You’ll find yourself lingering over a café con leche, greeting your neighbors by name, and planning your next puente without needing a reminder. That’s when you’ll know: you’re not just living in Spain. You’re thriving.

And really, isn’t that what this adventure is all about?