I moved to Germany from the US with 4 kids. Here, I have a lot more time for myself.

Celia Robbins

• Celia Robbins relocated with her family to Berlin after her husband got a job in Germany.
• Robbins, 37, was surprised to see how independent kids were in Berlin.
• She said she's learned to let go of her parental anxiety and give her kids more independence.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Celia Robbins, an American who relocated to Berlin with her family. She works...